Deleted

PocoLocoCoco

Thanks All

SomeBozo

I walked out and never returned, bad idea I know.

Very bad.

Employers get lots of stick on these boards when they don't follow the correct procedure when they sack people, its good to see that this is not all one-sided.

As far as the reference goes, they can write what they want as long as its true.

Did the employer actually know you were ill? Did you ever approach them about it?

Or do all they know is that you just "walked out"?

How did you loose the job? Were you sacked due to unauthorised absence?

Bozo

mandragora_2

Who did you name as the person who'd give you a reference from your old company? If you can summon up the courage to ring them and ask to speak to them (and as a courtesy you ought to, anyway, if at all possible before putting someone down as a referee) - you can then at least let them know the reference request is coming, and perhaps explain your illness and your regret at how you left things. Sadly, I would expect even the most standard reference request to ask when you left and why - so your sudden departure may well need to be mentioned by your previous employers.

LittleVoice

PocoLocoCoco wrote: »

Hello,

I received my offer letter today and it says (1) if my references are unsatisfactory they can sack me without notice.
I am honest and (2) told m&s I left my last job due to ill health.

(1) - if they let you start work before they have got the references through then sacking you without notice because of unsatisfactory references may not be possible - depends how long you would then have worked for them.

(2) - what sort of ill health did you mention? if you are ill it is difficult to work your notice! It was probably less costly for your former employer that you walked away than that you gave notice but sent in sick notes. If the reference they provide isn't at first satisfactory to M&S because you didn't give proper notice, you will need to re-state that you left because of ill health.

Have you been in touch with your former employers recently? If not, I suggest you do so to let them know that a reference request will be coming to them. You might be able to find out how they would word their reference.

maryotuam

My son did the same as you and just stopped going in although he had given in his notice. Strangely enough whatever reference they gave him was good enough for his new employer. Sometimes big organisations I imagine, might just fill in a reference quickly without bothering to get your file out.

However just taking a chance might be a bit risky. I would do as someone else has suggested and go back to your old place and ask to speak to someone you got on well with. Put them in the pictue about your illhealth and say that was partly the reason you didn't contact them. Apologise for any inconvenience and tell them you are at their mercy.

Good Luck

PocoLocoCoco

Thanks All

LittleVoice

PocoLocoCoco wrote: »

I know it is bad. I know I did wrong, but at least I am admitting I am the one in the wrong.

I think you have been beating yourself up for seven months. Stop it!

You have been offered a job with M&S, you will make a success of that as you did earlier at your former place of work. Stay positive about how things will go, not how you weren't perfect in the way you left the earlier job. You have learned the lesson and it's time to move forward and make the most of your future.

PocoLocoCoco

Thanks All

GotToChange

Don't get downhearted; things may work out. The problem is that you are "in the lap of the Gods" so to speak. I suppose you need (as already advised) to minimise damage and pre-empt any negativity that may come from your ex-employer.

Tricky as it may be, speaking to them may help - even just using HR as your referee could still backfire as your method of leaving will surely be noted on fil.

A lot will depend on the reference request from M&S -they will probably have a form that follows a standard format and that will no doubt include why you left. Equally though,there may be plenty of positives that can be offered in your favour that may outweigh the way you left.

Is there a chance that you can speak to someone on the M&S side to either find out what will actually cause you to be"sacked" from the job - or even to explain to them what happened?

I'm not sure of I think you're lucky or not to be able to start the job and then maybe be dismissed (not sure on the employment law rules on that one; try a call to ACAS maybe?), fairer to you in my opinion that you be offered the job be subject to satisfactory references - odd that M&S do it this way as you will be taken on and trained and if you are then let go, it's been a waste of money and time from their side.

Sorry I'm not too much use but do feel for you.

John_3:16

I am no expert but if you have given everything back and your letter was delivered, this would have been as seen as your resignation, I asume they did not overpay you. Did you have any more contact after the letter? I am not sure if you would have been sacked or they would hav accepted your resignation?

All you can do is move forward go to your job and take it from there.

motorguy

An org like M&S will have an HR department that will only give a factual reference, start and end dates, attendance and probably not much more.

I'm sure you could always argue that you had discussed your ill health with your line manager....