Reference, can an employer say a person is rude?

LJW_2

Hi my colleague has just had a reference completed for her where the manager has written 'some colleagues percieve her as being rude' it also refers to this again at some point. This may now stop her getting the job she was offered. The manager is also quite new in her post atand not very experienced.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

PasturesNew

If it's the truth, they can put it.

Is it the truth?

SomeBozo

LJW wrote: »

Hi my colleague has just had a reference completed for her where the manager has written 'some colleagues percieve her as being rude' it also refers to this again at some point. This may now stop her getting the job she was offered. The manager is also quite new in her post atand not very experienced.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

They can say what they want if its the truth.

If the manager has minuted meetings from staff saying "Colleague X was rude about X, Y and Z" , then they can write this in a reference.

Has your colleague ever been rude at work?

Bozo

Errata

An employer can write whatever they like in a reference. Wise employers confirm name, position, start and leaving dates only.

PasturesNew

No response from the OP yet.

How rude!

dmg24

Errata wrote: »

An employer can write whatever they like in a reference. Wise employers confirm name, position, start and leaving dates only.

Not true! A reference has to be factual, or if giving opinions, the opinions must be able to be supported by fact.

Zazen999

LJW wrote: »

The manager is also quite new in her post and not very experienced.

How rude!!!!!!

Zazen999

dmg24 wrote: »

Not true! A reference has to be factual, or if giving opinions, the opinions must be able to be supported by fact.

They can write whatever they want, but if the person finds out that the comments are not backed up by evidence, and wish to take it further, then they could do so. :rolleyes:

-BA-

I would agree with dmg here. I would also say it would need to have been documented AND addressed with the person concerned whilst they were in employment. Otherwise it is spurious hearsay that is bordering on libelous.

I would suggest contacting HR prior to leaving any role and asking for the full record that is held on you prior to leaving. That way any contradictory reference could be challenged.

Errata

dmg24 wrote: »

Not true! A reference has to be factual, or if giving opinions, the opinions must be able to be supported by fact.

"He is a cheerful worker" for instance, can't be supprted by factual evidence and may be an opinion of the employer which may or may not be the opinion of other employees.

Jomo

One of my last employers would not divulge anything personal, only the basics...sick leave history, salary etc. etc.

And that came from HR, actual line managers were not able to provide the statements!