Getting full employment reference

Rooibos

I've have only ever worked for the Civil Service - 30 years since I was 16. I'm now applying for other jobs as I'm currently off sick with work place stress following bullying and disability discrimination.


I've been offered a great job - perfect for me, but they need a FULL employment reference which the CS don't do.


I'm sure I'm not the only one - What have others done in similar circumstances?

InsideInsurance

what do you mean a "full" reference?

Almost no blue chip company will give a reference beyond simply stating dates worked, job title and method of leaving (resignation, redundancy etc)

If this company wants more they will be very used to coming up against the problem and they'll have suggestions on how to deal with it. You can sometimes go for a personal reference from one of your managers but this wont be an employment reference unless the manager agrees to break what is presumably the CS policy

wssb

I worked for the civil service before taking an exit package in 2012. I now have a new job and got the standard reference from HR but my line manager also gave me a reference. If you're on good terms with any management members could you not ask them?

Rooibos

Thank you both.
I've asked the new employer if they will accept another personal reference so I'm waiting to see.
I knew the CS only did a basic reference but it does seem kind of sad that I've worked for 30 years for the same employer but my performance can't really be proved and could therefore jeopardise future opportunities. I'm sure it is common - it's just interesting to learn how others have got round it!

InsideInsurance

Rooibos wrote: »

I'm sure it is common - it's just interesting to learn how others have got round it!

Its exceptionally common, never known a company that doesnt accept these though even with working in a regulated industry where you need "full references" for 5 years including evidence covering any gaps in employment of more than 1 month.

Rooibos

Update:
The new employer asked HR for more detail in the reference. HR advised them they cannot provide it but the line manager can.
I forwarded on the email to my line manager. Yesterday she said OK.
I thought 'brilliant - I'm getting somewhere!'.
Then she replied to my new employer to say the Policy on providing references says she can't - despite her having the email from HR saying she can... round and round in CS circles! I feel caught up in a policy sandwich - new employer's policy means they are unable to offer me the job without a more detailed reference from my employer and my line manager can't provide the reference in accordance with Policy - Grrrrr....
My new employer has one personal reference and I have offered them another from a friend and colleague and someone I used to work for but they need one from current line manager.
I've emailed my line manager back to refer her again to the email from HR saying she can do a character reference so I'll have to see what she says today. I suspect she won't back down.
I'm currently off with work place stress - I raised a grievance regarding disability discrimination however they didn't follow the Office's Grievance Procedure. I was told by a senior manager they didn't follow it because they don't have to, so don't. End of. Any notes taken during any meetings are none of my business etc etc. I referred to Tribunal which settled out of court as it became just too stressful with how they then were with me.
This with the reference is not helping. I just need to move on.