Redundancy - what use is an agreed reference

RunFineLine

I have been made redundant and I am pretty sure the proper procedure was not carried out. If necessary I will go to a tribunal but I would rather draw a line under the whole thing as long as I can get a good reference (which would be accurate as I have done nothing wrong).
If I get a compromise agreement and an agreed reference, is this any good to me when I apply for a job? How can I ensure that my old employer sticks to the agreement when approached by a prospective employer? Can the prospective employer tell that this is a reference resulting from a compromise agreement?

Emmzi

compromise agreement is often read as "the employer stuffed up so wanted to end things in a legally binding way". Other times it is just "the way we do redundancy." So it makes not much odds if they say it is under CA.

Enforcement.. you have to try it and see what happens. it is usually ok. They won't let you install CCTV in the HR office.

MrSnuggles

Prospective employers will probably find out, and you have no control over it. They'll just say the reference was too generic or use another reason to reject you.

marybelle01

You say you are "pretty sure" that the correct redundancy procedure was carried out, so why would it be "necessary" to go to a tribunal? Making claims when you know you have none can land you with costs being awarded against you! Why would you think that you need, or could get, a compromise agreement? And why would you think you need an agreed reference? If you have been a good enough employee then you'll get a good enough reference anyway. Is there something you aren't telling us?

mynameistallulah

MrSnuggles wrote: »

Prospective employers will probably find out, and you have no control over it. They'll just say the reference was too generic or use another reason to reject you.

Whilst they do tend to be generic, the same type of reference is probably the most common used in any situation (due to fear of litigation), so there is no reason why this should lead to a prospective employee being rejected for a role.

DCFC79

marybelle01 wrote: »

You say you are "pretty sure" that the correct redundancy procedure was carried out, so why would it be "necessary" to go to a tribunal? Making claims when you know you have none can land you with costs being awarded against you! Why would you think that you need, or could get, a compromise agreement? And why would you think you need an agreed reference? If you have been a good enough employee then you'll get a good enough reference anyway. Is there something you aren't telling us?

The OP said he was "pretty sure the proper procedure was not carried out"

Would have quoted teh OP too but forgot to click the button

jobbingmusician

It's an AGREEMENT, so it is up to you to make sure the reference is strong enough to be useful to you, or you can reject it. Make it clear to your employer that a bland 'employed from x to y' will not do, and suggest a reference that stresses your strengths. (You can word it yourself as a starter for negotiation)

marybelle01

DCFC79 wrote: »

The OP said he was "pretty sure the proper procedure was not carried out"

Would have quoted teh OP too but forgot to click the button

Ah sorry - must have misread that. But the question still remains - why is he not expecting a good reference anyway?

dandelionclock30

I thought to get a compromise agreement that is legally binding then it has to be done through a solicitor.
If they have made you redundant then why wouldnt you get a good reference? you havent been sacked. You will only get a compromise agreement if they have stuffed up and dont want to be taken to a tribunal. You say you think the correct procedure was not carried out. Are you in a union who will help you?, if not you can go to the CAB.

MrSnuggles

jobbingmusician wrote: »

It's an AGREEMENT, so it is up to you to make sure the reference is strong enough to be useful to you, or you can reject it. Make it clear to your employer that a bland 'employed from x to y' will not do, and suggest a reference that stresses your strengths. (You can word it yourself as a starter for negotiation)

And the employer has no obligation to provide a reference beyond employed from x to y date. That kind of reference doesn't mention negative things so you can't really do anything, even if you bring the employer to ET.

And the employer can say this is a 'good' employee, or use the word 'nice' which are both positive words and thus meet any agreements saying they must mention something positive about the employee, but in reality, when you see a reference calling the employee 'good' and 'nice', what do you think?

People here seem to think bringing the employer to ET can bring miracles just because there's a comprimised agreement.

Emmzi

MrSnuggles wrote: »

And the employer has no obligation to provide a reference beyond employed from x to y date.

or even that.