Reference Questions

[Fatboy]

Hi Everyone,

I've worked for a start-up for the last two years, previous to that I was a research associate at a Canadian University for a year following my degree/Phd.

It's getting to a point where I'm forced to consider looking for a new job (for a variety of reasons, mainly that I'm not sure it's going anywhere soon, and I'm finally sick of working massive hourse for a pittance based on a promise I'm no longer sure will come off).

My problem is that I've got no references other than at my current company, and I'm a bit worried about:

a) Potential employers contacting my current employer at an early stage (i.e. before I've got a reasonable chance of leaving) and thereby making things difficult for me at work if I don't get a new job....

b) I'm pretty sure my leaving would piss off some people, and I'm worried about recieving bad references as a result - I don't think that they would, but it's a risk.

I'm just after a bit of advice as to how I should go about this to minimise the risks to me, and make things go as well as possible....

Cheers,

Fatboy

[bga]

Fatboy said:

a) Potential employers contacting my current employer at an early stage (i.e. before I've got a reasonable chance of leaving) and thereby making things difficult for me at work if I don't get a new job....

Most companies will make an offer subject to acceptable references. Therefore, only if they make an offer that you accept, will they then contact your references.

Fatboy said:

b) I'm pretty sure my leaving would piss off some people, and I'm worried about recieving bad references as a result - I don't think that they would, but it's a risk.

The usual reference is a confirmation that an individual worked at a company within the dates that they claimed.

Your company is obliged to give an accurate and objective reference. Any misrepresentation makes them liable for damages in court, hence most only confirming your employment dates & sometimes other bits & pieces like time off sick in last 12 months or occasionally unexpired disciplinary notices.

If you do think that you have got a duff reference then you can ask your prospective employer for a copy of the reference that they received. Your employer supplying the reference is not bound to supply it to you as it has an exemption under the DPA.

[Fatboy]

Cheers bga, that puts my mind at rest a bit more!

[Jo Strummer]

Sunday Times legal advice in the business section 8/4/07 said that an employer is not obliged to give a reference.

[bga]

Jo Strummer said:

Sunday Times legal advice in the business section 8/4/07 said that an employer is not obliged to give a reference.

You are right - my phrasing was rubbish as usual. However if they do (and they usually do) then they should follow the above or are liable for damages.

We recently had a company refuse to provide a reference for a contractor as we are "competition". Makes them look like morons & we just got a personal ref off an ex-colleague instead.

[tigger1]

Jo Strummer said:

Sunday Times legal advice in the business section 8/4/07 said that an employer is not obliged to give a reference.

Thats a risky business though isn't it?

Name, rank and number (dates of employment, sickness and positions held) - that's pretty much the norm

[bga]

tigger1 said:

Jo Strummer said:

Sunday Times legal advice in the business section 8/4/07 said that an employer is not obliged to give a reference.

Thats a risky business though isn't it?

Name, rank and number (dates of employment, sickness and positions held) - that's pretty much the norm

The only risk is a goodwill one. They will come across as unprofessional.

Sickness is only usually given if requested.