Can a previous employer give a bad reference based on their opinion?

EmmaChristie92

I have just started my new job last Thursday which I am really enjoying. They have sent me a starter kit and I need to send off references. I have used my previous manager who I think will give me a good reference and also my HR manager who I'm not so sure about...

On previously applying for full time work at my old place (I was on a PT contract) I was declined and was told by my HR manager that I cause too much confrontation and friction within the team because I complain about other members of staff not pulling their weight. To me this seems like a valid reason to complain to management about as it demotivates an entire team if someone is only half doing their job when you are killing yourself doing it.

I've already written her down as a reference but I am nervous she may write something negative and it could harm my current job, would the best solution be just to cross her off my references and add another from a different employer or would crossing someone out on a form look suspicious?

I'm unsure. Just don't want anything to jeopardize my new job! Thanks for any help.

DCFC79

It has to be truthful and not based on a personal opinion.

How would you get round the "put a reference from your current or previous employer" ?

EmmaChristie92

Well both of the references are from the same company but she is my second reference my first was my line manager

BoJangles_2

Many references these days are based on facts...sick days, length of service etc. Opinions could be disputed (in my opinion)!

EmmaChristie92

Well I didn't take many sick days and I was there 2 years so hopefully all will be fine !

Takeaway_Addict

A reference can have a bad opinion if it is factually true and I would believe that if your line manager did refuse you full time based on being disruptive then the fact is:

'X was not given a full time job as I felt X was disruptive to the rest of the team'

Not sure the referee would have to many issues stating this. However, I doubt they will, as has been pointed out it will likely be more bland.

sangie595

EmmaChristie92 wrote: »

I have just started my new job last Thursday which I am really enjoying. They have sent me a starter kit and I need to send off references. I have used my previous manager who I think will give me a good reference and also my HR manager who I'm not so sure about...

On previously applying for full time work at my old place (I was on a PT contract) I was declined and was told by my HR manager that I cause too much confrontation and friction within the team because I complain about other members of staff not pulling their weight. To me this seems like a valid reason to complain to management about as it demotivates an entire team if someone is only half doing their job when you are killing yourself doing it.

I've already written her down as a reference but I am nervous she may write something negative and it could harm my current job, would the best solution be just to cross her off my references and add another from a different employer or would crossing someone out on a form look suspicious?

I'm unsure. Just don't want anything to jeopardize my new job! Thanks for any help.

There is nothing to prevent an employer stating an opinion - the fact that it is their opinion is a fact! That said, I doubt that the employer is going to say this since you have already left the company.

Having said that, perhaps you might want to draw some lesson from this - your complaints that other people were not working hard enough was YOUR opinion and one which it seems you were absolutely intent on making public, and from the sounds of it you did not consider that your own actions were at least equally causing problems in the team as they were seen as confrontational and causing friction. If management are satisfied with the job they are doing, then what other people do is none of your business, and keeping on complaining about it isn't productive. Equally, if you want to "kill yourself" doing the job, that is your decision - but not everybody needs to or wants to feel like that about their work. You are requiring other people to accept to your opinions, but don't extend the same courtesy to others opinions.

EmmaChristie92

It was my opinion yes, which was only discussed with my line manager, I never made it public or ever said that I did. She said it affected my work when I felt others weren't helping out enough (which it honestly didn't I just had more to do) and that in turn affected other people. I do agree and feel it would have been a good idea to not mention it but when other peoples work loads are being pushed onto you because they prefer to stand around talking, does get on ones nerves to the point I was leaving work feeling extremely tired and depressed.

sangie595

EmmaChristie92 wrote: »

It was my opinion yes, which was only discussed with my line manager, I never made it public or ever said that I did. She said it affected my work when I felt others weren't helping out enough (which it honestly didn't I just had more to do) and that in turn affected other people. I do agree and feel it would have been a good idea to not mention it but when other peoples work loads are being pushed onto you because they prefer to stand around talking, does get on ones nerves to the point I was leaving work feeling extremely tired and depressed.

That seems to be very different from what you said in your first post. But no matter. If other people aren't doing their own job then that doesn't mean you should take up their work. It's for them to explain what they have or have not done. There is seldom anything but grief involved when you start commenting to managers about colleagues work ethics. If the manager had a problem then they should have the nouse to do something about it, and if they haven't that's a clear indication that they don't think there is a problem, or they don't care that there is one.