Possible Bad Reference from Employer

dustybin1970

Hi there

need some advice please, to cut a long story short, I worked for a major bank for 5 years. Last 6 months had new manager who I did not get on with, took out grievances twice and won. Close family member passed away and I was hassled every day to come into work (only took 4 days off), when I came back was suspended for "cutting calls" which I categorically denied. I was so stressed I found new job and resigned.

Problem is any reference they give states that I left while being investigated at stage 3 for gross misconduct. I have challenged this with HR who state they are legally obliged to say this as they are registered with the FSA, is this correct?

Current company is registered with FSA and when I enquired with HR they said they would never do this only state start and finish date.

Dogger69

I am not sure of the FSA requirements, but the reference in itself is not unlawful as it is factual.

System

It's the company's call. If it is their policy to give the reason for the person leaving then they must be truthful.

tsimehC

Hey,

Could you not just explain this to your current employer and say that they did not complete the investigation (you were never found guilty) so they can't use a case of gross misconduct against you?

Annisele

I suspect this stuff is the relevant part of the handbook.

If your new job is for an FCA controlled function, the old employer probably does have a duty to disclose the disciplinary to new employer.

dustybin1970

hi, yes I did with current employer and they were fine. Said as long as it wasn't due to fraud or criminality and asked for a personal reference. They were pleased that my previous manager gave me a glowing reference.

I just really wanted to clarify the part about it being a FSA requirement, thought this was a bit iffy. Also I was told verbally it wouldn't be on reference when I resigned so was a shock when it came up but hey ho such is life.