Bad referances

[DCS01]

Trying to find work and have found out that my last employer (civil service, leaving was not amicable) have given out what is to me a very negative referance.I was on the understanding that employers did not give 'bad' referances to save themselves hassle. Please correct me if I am wrong and any advise on how to improve the situation would be greatfully recived.

[DCS01]

Had a phone call from prosective employer, who asked about for my coments on the referance, asked them to put their qestions in writing to me. I don't know the what the full referance said or what the potential employer asked of them.