What can I do if employer will not supply a good reference?

Question

I am trying to leave my job as I dread going in every day, dont particulary get on with the people I work with and get little support in what is a very difficult and demanding job. My employer is aware I am trying to leave and I have applied for 5 different posts and am receiving interviews. However my employer is not writing favourable references and is concentrating on picking up on faults in my work during a short period when I was suffering domestic abuse and had a close family bereavement. I seem to be stuck.

Answer 1

I would either leave the previous employer contact info out of your resume/ application and when asked in the interview explain that the previous employer insists on giving a bad reference based on a specific occasion in which you were going through a lot. Usually interviers will understand and not even try to contact him/her. if they do at least they are aware that the information that they are receiving might be skewed. I would also check with a local emplyoment agency and ask them the same question. There doesnt seem like there is much you can do about it other than being upfront and honest with the your interviewer, most will understand. And your ex employer should stop being such a baby and get over it and respond with a no comment instead of brining out every little weakness you showed while going through a though time.

Good luck and I hope it works out!

Answer 2

An employer is quite entitled to give you a reference that is deemed as not a very good one, as long as it is fair, honest and not misleading. If you feel it is not a true reflection of you and is inaccurate or unfair then you can take legal action, and you would have a good chance on winning if the employer is in the wrong. You can also go through the employment tribunal procedure with this kind of issue, I remember reading of one case 3 or so years ago where the person got a big payout for an ex employer unfairly scurpering their chances of gaining a new job.

Answer 3

Giving a bad reference leaves you open to questioning your employer. This is further a matter you can take to law. You are entitled to a minimum reference confirming dates worked, sickness and holidays. If that includes periods of problems advise details at the interview and that they no longer apply. Any reasonable employer should accept the situation.

Answer 4

All you could do is inform your potentially new employers that you don't get on with your previous boss and that you would not expect a good reference, this honesty should at an interview shed some light on your behaviour (favourably) and stand you in good sted. Remember you are not the first person to receive a poor reference and you wont be the last. Good luck!

Answer 5

Not all companies even bother to ask your previous employer. You may need to sign up for a temporary agency and do a good job that will get you good references. If you find out that they are not giving you good references there may be a lawsuit in it for you. I've heard that the only thing a previous employer can tell about you is that you worked there. I don't think they can give a critique of your performance. Check with your local social employment agency.

Answer 6

If they are giving you a bad reference, which prevents you from getting a job, then you can sue them.
I suggest that you speak to a recruitment consultant as they are aware of HR rules and then maybe speak to the person writing your reference and show him the relevant legislation or cases describing what happens if an employer gives a bad reference.
That might stop your employer from writing a bad reference.

Answer 7

Unfortunately your employer is entitled to give a reference of your work ethic. If I was you, I would look for one supervisor or manager that you worked ok with and tell them the situation, then ask if they can be your reference. This way you can get a positive outcome. Also if you know who is giving the bad reference, simply talk to them. Let them know why you are changing jobs and about your past. It may seem scary, but it is worth a shot. Good Luck.

Answer 8

There is not really anything you can do to prevent the poor references. Since you say that you don't get on with your co-workers they won't be much help. I think that the best that you can do is be proactive during the interview. Explain the circumstances that led to problems at your current job, provide your own references including previous employers that will provide good references. Good luck.

Answer 9

Your employer does not have to give you a positive reference. At the same time they should in no way give you a bad reference as this would open them up to potential libel.

-If you have any one co-worker who would give you a good reference, use them instead.
-Do not list anyone who you feel wouldn't give you a good reference. Even if they say nothing bad or critical at all, what they 'don't' say could be easily perceived as negative/less than enthusiastic.
-List your current employer, but indicate you do not wish for them to be contacted. If asked, just state that and no more.

good luck

Answer 10

its not against the law for an employer to give a bad ref its bad practice. speak to your personnel department and tell your manager. If that does not work join the union and get legal repesentative or use somebody else to give you a reference. Check the company's policies, companies tend to be very careful when providing a reference. Look at the article below it may help you