Employment References

[J595HAS]

Anyone any ideas on how to find out if the company I work for is giving out s**t references to prospective employers?.

[mr-mac]

A made up logo and print a fake letter using it with a friends address asking for a refference.

Maybe include a sheet like most compaies with tick boxes for stuff like time keeping etc for them to fill in.

JOhn

[JB]

Either that or ask to see the reference.

[hadyn]

i may be wrong, but isnt it illegal for companies to give out shite references unless you've been sacked or totally incompetent?Something about the european ruling of free trade???
Might be wrong tho

[JB]

i may be wrong, but isnt it illegal for companies to give out shite references unless you've been sacked or totally incompetent?Something about the european ruling of free trade???
Might be wrong tho
Yes you are wrong. Providing they are honest, then references can be good or bad. Why would it be illegal to say something bad about a rubbish employee? :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Anyway, back on topic

[Aitch]

I was with Hadyn on this - I though that a reference had to be favourable. However there is nothing to say that a company can't refuse to write a reference, which to be honest would probably be taken as being a bad reference.

[JB]

I was with Hadyn on this - I though that a reference had to be favourable. However there is nothing to say that a company can't refuse to write a reference, which to be honest would probably be taken as being a bad reference.
No, you are legally entitled to write a rubbish reference providing you can back up what you say with evidence. In practice however, most employers don't do that cos it just isn't worth the hassle. They either make no comment on certain issues (and make it plain that they are making no comment) or don't write a reference at all.

[Aitch]

No, you are legally entitled to write a rubbish reference providing you can back up what you say with evidence. In practice however, most employers don't do that cos it just isn't worth the hassle. They either make no comment on certain issues (and make it plain that they are making no comment) or don't write a reference at all.
Fair enough. I'd better start working harder then now I know that. :D

[KevJ]

Check www.acas.co.uk or www.emplaw.co.uk

Both of these are priceless for lighting a rocket under your boss' arse!! :D

[mattpayne]

Check www.acas.co.uk or www.emplaw.co.uk

Both of these are priceless for lighting a rocket under your boss' arse!! :D



It is specifically provided that no court shall make any order which compels "an employee to do any work or attend at any place for the doing of any work" (TULRCA 1992, s.236).




mmmm.... if only this stretched to my employer... it would have been usefull when i needed a midweek sail... :D

[KevJ]

mmmm.... if only this stretched to my employer... it would have been usefull when i needed a midweek sail... :D



Told you! :D

Disclaimer: I am in no way responsible if anyone finds themselves 'suddenly unemployed!' :rolleyes: :no:

[Abaddon]

I asked our HR department about this, you can't give a bad reference about someone, you can only refuse to give a reference. Of course I'm not convinced about the competency of the HR dept....but I've heard this from a few people.

[Nicely]

The only way they can't rubbish you is if they have to produce an agreed reference due to a legal agreement or an employment tribunal. This means that they can say ONLY the wording that has been agreed, both for written and verbal references. Such an agreement is legally binding and any deviation is breach of contract. One of my previous employers has to do this. :D

[Nicely]

I asked our HR department about this, you can't give a bad reference about someone, you can only refuse to give a reference. Of course I'm not convinced about the competency of the HR dept....but I've heard this from a few people.In my experience, HR departments are only there to carry out the whims of company directors. Sorry, just my experience. :)

[gaz.thomas]

In my experience HR departments are an entirely disposable department that invariably hinder the progress of any activity they manage to weedle their way into.

But that's just in my experience ;)

Gaz
-x-

[docwra]

I have to get prolly 20 references a week. My understanding is similar to what JB said - the general rule is that if someone was shit, the employer will simply refuse to give a reference to avoid all of the legal comebacks :)

2 things to remember though ............

Verbal references arent legally binding - I tend to call up previous employers because I find a verbal reference is much more honest - most of the guys I put in work I havent even met, so need something thats honest

The referees given by a prospective employee are always going to be good. Ergo, they are not the best to use ;)

If you want to find out, Ill happily call the company up and ask for you, on the basis that I might employ you in the near future ;) :D

[Abaddon]

I quite agree, HR depts (especially our onw) is full of people with their heads so far up there own arses it's scary.