can former employers write bad references?

Answer 1

Sure they can, but it's really not wise, as it can expose them to risk of lawsuit. Most large employers only verify wages & dates of employment these days.

Answer 2

I don't think an employer can write a bad/negative reference; I've been told it's actually against the law to do so. But what they CAN do is give a general reference "so-&-so worked here as a whatever from start date to end date" and that in itself is considered a roundabout way of writing a bad ref.

Answer 3

while i am not entirely certain regarding written references, i do know that what a former employer is supposed say about you is:

a) your start date and end dates with the company

b) what your job responsibilities were

c) whether you left or were let go

typically, most companies follow these guidelines to avoid law suits by former employees. not all employers are so afraid of their former employees, however, so always try to leave on good terms, and if you are laid off or fired, ask if they will write a letter of reference. this will give you an idea of what they are willing to say about you to a new prospective employer.

Answer 4

Can and should are 2 different things.

If you are in the US, it is highly unlikely that a former employer will say anything about you to anyone except for:

The fact that you worked for them from Date X to Date Y.

In the age of litigation, you can sue the heebie jeebies out of them for giving you a bad reference without your consent. They would never write a bad reference; and it is highly unlikely that they would verbally give you a bad reference.

Answer 5

I was always told that they cannot. I think that if they agree to being a reference it has to be positve otherwise they are not supposed to be a reference at all. Put it this a reference if like a validtion if the skills u say u have. When u say that u have references that means that u have people who will validate your qualifications. If someone will say something negative about that is not a reference. I also think they cannot because it is some form of slander.

Answer 6

in the UK they can not give a negative reference. They may just say the amount of time you work at the place and how much sickness you had etc. The new employer is left to read into that what they will

Answer 7

Former employers are allowed
to give you a good referenceor no reference at all they cannot give you a bad one

Answer 8

while you're in the U. S., you have an excellent to work out your references decrease than the privateness Act of 1975. If something in the reference is untrue, you have reliable recourse for damages obtainable to you in the process the courts. So in case you get an untrue undesirable reference and sue them out of their eyeballs, you may treatment the bozo who's giving undesirable references. I even have continuously given sturdy references different than to somebody I fired for sexual harassment. I even have each and every now and then given gleaming references, yet different employers are smart to that for the period of recent times. they are in a position to tell that's somebody i want to be rid of, so I even have lapsed lower back to usual honest references different than i ought to forget some foibles and concentration on the effective components. It only does not make experience to grant a bad reference. The criminal accountability exposure is extensive.

Answer 9

I have been told by numerous HR folks that you should never, ever provide a bad reference. You simply state that the person worked from this date to this date. If you add anything negative, you could be sued.

If you are truly curious, contact your HR department and ask what their reference policy is.

Answer 10

Anyone you list as a reference can provide any informaion they desire as long as the info is the truth. Be that an ex employer, or girl/boyfriend.