Refused a reference

katehesk

A friend of mine has been refused a reference by her employer, who have stated that it is against company policy to provide a reference.

Can this be true, because it seems like a lie to me?

I know references can be refused, but can it actually be against company policy to provide a reference for an employee?

bungle4x4

its a nice way of saying they didnt like her, or thought she was bad at her job.

well thats the excuse i use when a reference request comes across my path for a sub par ex employee

mancitychick

Lots of companies have that policy. They will just confirm the dates you were employed between and what position you held.

katehesk

Right, ok thanks. I've sent her the link to this thread so she can see the replies.

It just seems really awful.

I work for the same company, but I did leave just over two years ago to work in local government and I know my references from the same employers were very good. Perhaps their policy has changed then.

But it is correct that they must provide details of the employee's working term and their position?

Emmzi

no, they dont have to provide a thing. her p45 and contract will fill in the blanks.

katehesk

I know from experience that potential employers always want references from your most recent employer, and with that being the case, I just can't comprehend how it can be against company policy to give references. It will make it nigh on impossible for employee's with such companies to move to another job. It seems really unfair to me.

greenspark

I guess the thing here is to get proof from the old company for the new company stating that this is their policy and not a personal thing against your friend. If she could ask for this policy in writing - a letter saying something like 'it is our policy not to confirm any information or give references for any employees' and give it to the new employer they could see this and maybe let her give references from different sources.

Or could she just give the old company's contact details to the new company and they could contact them and be told by them that this is their policy?

I'm not an expert but I think I'd want to get first hand proof to the new company rather than just tell them myself so it doesn't sound like an excuse.

bungle4x4

i tend to give a personal open reference letter to people. i find it friendlier

brightonman123

may be just firm doesnt want any comeback, if next job doesnt work out.. dunno though if firm b could sue firm a, on basis of a reference, unless totally bogus..!

Anihilator

If you cant provide a reference either directly from the company or non directly through a manager your pretty screwed.

As suggested this policy is only usually used to sub standard employees were they will at most give dates etc

orangeslimes

Can she get a reference from a colleague perhaps?