Giving an employee reference questiuon..
Discussion
A memeber of staff recently gave us notice to leave, they are not the greatest of staff, always out for himself and never a giver so not to bothered to see the back of him but due to the 'holiday time of year' he has left us in a hole. Just received a 'private and confidential' letter/questionaire from a local council asking for an employer reference, I want to answer the questions honestly some positive but mostly negative, are you actually allowed to be negative these days??
davepoth said:
BMWPam said:
No its illegal to give a negative reference...but i wonder if you can refuse to give one??
Probably not. Just go with the employment dates and refuse to give anything else. Chances are that this person would be the type to want some "compo" if they ever got wind of it.As for illegal to give a negative reference - no, not illegal...Ill advised yes, but not illegal.
BMWPam said:
No it’s illegal to give a negative reference...but i wonder if you can refuse to give one??
It’s not illegal to give a negative reference. But you can be sued if you give a negative opinion on someone (slander I believe)You can state any negative facts you wish, but be aware that if challenged you could be required to show evidence of the fact.
A previous MD managed to steal £500K from a company I used to work for. He was prosecuted and did jail time. Unbelievably we received a request for a reference once he was released. Our chairman took great pleasure in providing all the facts of the case against him.
hedgefinder said:
i know one company director who gives bad references to anyone who leaves his company - his opinion was that if they didnt want to work for him they shouldnt work for any of his competitors..
Well he is a complete arse then. Has he always run that company? Never worked anywhere else himself? So mate but he really sounds like the type of arrogant idiot that I utterly despise.As others have said, simply reply that it is policy to provide references as:
name
position held
start & leaving dates
salary at leaving (if requested)
TBH that's about as much as a lot of companies are willing to provide these days.
If you're nervous about follow-up, then get HR to send it.
name
position held
start & leaving dates
salary at leaving (if requested)
TBH that's about as much as a lot of companies are willing to provide these days.
If you're nervous about follow-up, then get HR to send it.
PHOENIXUK said:
magpie215 said:
How long was he employed with you?
18 months.Thanks for replys pretty much knew the answer, heyho employer beware...
BUT, one question asks, based on our knowledge now would we re-employ, can anyone see any issue with stating our opinion to that?
k up his life? He has left you now, what you are advocating smacks of revenge. Just confirm dates and move on.
Or will the wage not cover my petrol even in comedy Citroen?Confirm dates and move on.
I have known people who wish to expand pick up the telephone as well.
there is a phrase "Never put in writing what only ever need be said."
Beware though, your words could still come back to haunt you so if you take this route, make sure you can still back up what you say with hard facts if ever required to do so.
I have known people who wish to expand pick up the telephone as well.
there is a phrase "Never put in writing what only ever need be said."
Beware though, your words could still come back to haunt you so if you take this route, make sure you can still back up what you say with hard facts if ever required to do so.
Rude-boy said:
Confirm dates and move on.
I have known people who wish to expand pick up the telephone as well.
there is a phrase "Never put in writing what only ever need be said."
Beware though, your words could still come back to haunt you so if you take this route, make sure you can still back up what you say with hard facts if ever required to do so.
Good adviceI have known people who wish to expand pick up the telephone as well.
there is a phrase "Never put in writing what only ever need be said."
Beware though, your words could still come back to haunt you so if you take this route, make sure you can still back up what you say with hard facts if ever required to do so.
However:
PHOENIXUK said:
A memeber of staff recently gave us notice to leave, they are not the greatest of staff, always out for himself and never a giver so not to bothered to see the back of him but due to the 'holiday time of year' he has left us in a hole. Just received a 'private and confidential' letter/questionaire from a local council asking for an employer reference, I want to answer the questions honestly some positive but mostly negative, are you actually allowed to be negative these days??
Not worth the agro, just stick to dates of employment, and job title. No need to do anything elseGassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff