Employer promised reference but won't give it

sugartooth

I work for Tesco's and recently asked my store manager for a reference to get a second job as a software engineerer. Different industry and slightly over 80 miles away from the store.

My store manager told me to phone up HR for a reference but they won't give me a proper reference aside from confirming my employment dates, and will only do so after I've handed in my notice.

I talked to my deputy manager and he promised me a personal reference. Waited 2 weeks, chased up on it for 3 times and still waiting. Apparently he hasn't been contacted yet even though the employer informed me my deputy manager doesn't answer the phone, voicemails, emails, or even letters posted to his address.

Is there anything I can do? I think he's stalling for time, hoping I lose this job opportunity if the employer waits too long for the reference.

I work part-time for Tesco's and need the money. The software engineerer job uses up the weekend only, is unpaid but travel expenses and lunch is reinbursed.

ILW

I would suspect he has made promises that he is not allowed to keep and is now hoping it will all go away.

heretolearn_2

No one is obliged to give a reference so if Tescos will only do a basic one after leaving, you can't do anything about it.

It may well be that he has found out that he isn't allowed to do personal references, it's rarely allowed.

Uncertain

Sadly there is no legal right to a reference, either personal or business, so there is nothing you can do if they refuse.

DCFC79

ILW wrote: »

I would suspect he has made promises that he is not allowed to keep and is now hoping it will all go away.

Sounds this way to me.

purple.sarah

Tesco Policy is:

"To make sure references for ex-employees are fair and protected from personal bias, they are produced from the Payroll administration department at Cardiff."

I have heard that any manager who gives a reference can be disciplined as it's against policy.

Explain this to your prospective employer. See if you can provide character references or a reference from your employer before Tesco.

LittleVoice

If it is really Tesco's policy not to give a reference until after the member of staff has resigned, it seems very unfair. I know there is no requirement for retailers like Tesco to provide any reference but to require a resignation before providing one makes moving jobs very difficult unless one is very sure that a simple reference will be acceptable to the new employer.

DVardysShadow

sugartooth wrote: »

The software engineerer job uses up the weekend only, is unpaid but travel expenses and lunch is reinbursed.

I would say that they have a cheek expecting references.

sugartooth

DVardysShadow wrote: »

I would say that they have a cheek expecting references.

Most employers expect references... I asked my previous job's supervisor for a personal reference and got the job now. My current employer knows I tried to get references for a second job, but do I need to tell him I've got the job?

ILW

Problem is that some people have gone to litigation over references. It is now easier for an employer just to give a blanket no and save the risk.

Elvisia

I would tell your new employer that Tescos have reviewed their policy and can't give references to current employees, then find someone else who could give you one. Do you have another employer, academic, local pillar of the community who could help?