Unsatisfactory job ref resulted in loss of job offer!

Manxman_in_exile

If I were asked "would you re-employ this person?" I wouldn't even begin to consider whether we had any current or planned future vacancies that they could be appointed to.


I've always interpreted that question as meaning: if that person applied to you for a vacancy for which they were qualified, would you appoint them, given what you already know about them.


Otherwise the answer to the question would arbitrarily depend on whether the referee currently had any vacancies or not. That's not the intention of the question.

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

Vectis wrote: »

Over the years we've employed many, many staff but I would definitely say No to the question of reemployment now if they asked it on a reference as we have no job, and no plans for any job, which would be suitable.

Stop doing this. Stop doing it NOW. You are causing your ex-employees unnecessary problems due to this stupidity.

It's obvious to anyone but a fool this question means "did they do the job well enough that you would reemploy them for a similar position". Why on earth would anyone care what jobs you have available?

Manxman_in_exile

Agree 100% with Scorpions... post above. It expresses more basically what I was trying to say in the previous post.


Vectis - if you have in fact replied that way to reference requests then you are interpreting the question too literally and show no understanding of what is actually being asked.


(ETA - otherwise the employer asking for the reference might as well replace the question with "Do you currently have any vacancies?" What would be the point of asking that in a reference request for a named former employee?)

getzls

You have no grounds to win a legal case.
None at all.

stockton_2

In my last employment, if a "current" employee applied for a reference to go work elsewhere, he or she was often given a glowing reference if the company wanted to get rid. Sometimes it is better to ask for a reference before you give your notice in.

sangie595

getzls wrote: »

You have no grounds to win a legal case.
None at all.

And that reasoned opinion is based on your extensive experience of employment law? Thought not.