Has anyone received a bad reference that caused them issues?

[pops and bangs]

Just wondering if anyone here has been in a situation where a reference provided by an employer has caused them to have a job offer withdrawn. I'm in that exact position and wondering what the best course of action is.

The reference provided was false and completely misleading. As far as I'm aware references need to be factual, so could I potentially have a solid case to take my former employer to an employment tribunal?

I'd be very interested in hearing from anyone that has been in a similar situation, and what your course of action was.

Thanks

[AbarthChris]

Yes, I had similar situation.

years ago I was moving from a job in Manchester to one in London, all good pending the reference from my boss. I arranged a place to live etc, and was set to move but a couple of days before I left I got a call from the new job, stating that the reference was bad and that they would have to withdraw.

Obviously I was worried, asked what the reference said (it was an opinion based on nothing that caused issues, no facts whatsoever) and then promptly rang the HR department of my previous company. I passed on the reference, and within a couple of hours the old reference had been withddrawn, a new one issued and all was sorted with the new company.

They cannot provide a bad reference unless it is factual info, i.e. the employee was late 43 times etc. Have a word with HR, talk to the person who gave the reference and it'll prob be withdrawn. If not, then go to an employment lawyer.

Good luck!

[Du1point8]

If the reference is not factually correct then and causes you to have a job withdrawn then you can go to tribunal.

When you say misleading, how was it misleading?

[surveyor]

I remember someone who worked for my mother gave her as a reference.

They called her and asked a series of leading questions including what was the candidates weakest point, which was her maths - which is not to say that she was crap at maths....

Caused much distress - and a useful learning exercise - I'm happy to be a referee, but you can fk off on the phone and send a polite email/letter like normal people...

[Sy1441]

I would never give a reference for someone who worked for the company I currently work for, just pass it onto HR for a generic - This person worked here from xxx to xxx and held the position of xxx.


Would never give a negative reference in any circumstance, it's just not worth it.l given the potential implication. Refusal to give a reference speaks volumes usually.