Employers/References Query

RiverStar

I was dismissed last October out of the blue and told "you are not coping with the work, so I've heard" this was from the MD. I had worked there for nearly 6 months and thought everything was fine as I'd had no feedback regarding work performance etc. I asked about references and was told I they would give me one. I then set about applying for admin jobs. Of course it was difficult and as I had some caring experience, I decided to apply for caring roles. One of the jobs I was offered which was subsequently withdrawn as the potential employer wanted a reference from the previous company as I had worked with within the last year. The previous company said " I wouldn't like what was said about me". I still applied for caring jobs and after an assessment, one-to-one and open evening, I have verbally been offered a post, meant to be starting end July. However, the HR dept has contacted me about 4 weeks ago to say they aren't getting a response at all from emails/phone calls. I told them the situation and I have given them other referees going back 3 years but they want a "current" reference.
I would like to know what can I do about this, I feel I am being unfairly treated as I truly did nothing wrong and it seems like they are determined I won't get another job through a reference from them as i realise being ignored/refused a reference just sounds terrible.
Can I email them myself and ask why they are doing this? What do I do if they ignore me and I'm left high and dry with no job just because they won't provide even a basic ref ie job title, position etc.
Please help as this is driving me mad as I was gutted about the first job withdrawal and dont want it to happen again. There must be something that I can do?
Thanks

Lollypop75

Yes - you can definitely phone/email your former employer and chase them up about sending a reference. If you are not having any luck contacting your old manager you could try to contact their HR department (if they have one) and explain that you need something urgently and haven't been able to get hold of the manager.

I hope this works out for you!

RiverStar

The company is a small one and doesn't have an HR Dept. Its my former manager and her partner (the owner of the business) who run the company and they are ignoring all requests for even a basic reference.
I will email them and ask politely if they would forward me one. I've already asked and was ignored. I'll ask again, how long should I wait for a reply. Tbh i don't think they will reply and if I call they are never there.
Where does all this leave me?? No job because cant get a reference from employer whom I worked for in last year!
Any advice welcome

SomeBozo

Unfortunatly there is no legal requirement for a employer to provide a reference.

That said, its rare for it not to happen even if its just to confirm dates.

Is he contactable over the phone? Would the new company accept a verbal reference?

Bozo

RiverStar

Hi Bozo, thanks.
As it stands the company are just ignoring me and potential employers. They ignore emails/letters and if called they are not there.
I guess there isnt much I can do except leave it off my CV.
I didn't think employers could be so nasty, I mean what harm would a basic one do. And to think my career could depend on this.
Thanks all for your replies