Reference

Billie10

I have been offered a job pending references. I was dismissed from my previous employment for gross misconduct how much detail does a reference have to give anout this?

ssparks2003

As much or as little as your previous employer deems suitable. I the reference is true and honest you have no grounds to complain.

sjbrun

It would also depend on what the new company asks for, some send out a questionnaire some just ask for a reference and it would depend on what's sent.

In your interview did they ask you why you left your last job? What did you say?

Billie10

I was totally upfront when the HR contacted me by phone to offer interview and discussed it during interview

NineDeuce

I heard that they cant give you a bad reference as such, but can refuse a reference

elsien

NineDeuce wrote: »

I heard that they cant give you a bad reference as such, but can refuse a reference

It is legal to give a "bad" reference if it is factually accurate.
Therefore a reference could state that Mrs X was dismissed following an incident on the shop floor where she punched a customer. For example. If it can be evidenced.

BorisThomson

NineDeuce wrote: »

I heard that they cant give you a bad reference as such, but can refuse a reference

You heard incorrectly.

NineDeuce

elsien wrote: »

It is legal to give a "bad" reference if it is factually accurate.
Therefore a reference could state that Mrs X was dismissed following an incident on the shop floor where she punched a customer. For example. If it can be evidenced.

Yes, but as far as I know, it isnt legal to make opinionated statements such as 'he was a rubbish worker'.

BorisThomson

NineDeuce wrote: »

Yes, but as far as I know, it isnt legal to make opinionated statements such as 'he was a rubbish worker'.

If you can back it up with fact then that is acceptable (and that fact does not have to be in the reference, although it would be good practice to include it).

"He was a rubbish worker, he didn't turn up on time and took too many breaks" is fine.

"He was a rubbish worker, I didn't like his face/ skin colour/ sexuality" would not be acceptable.

Billie10

I had worked for this employer for 32 years and prior to dismissal had not been in any trouble. I had a new manager start 2 years before i was dismissed and felt that she didn't really like me although was really clever about not showing it and am concerned that her reference will be negative although i was good at my job

sangie595

NineDeuce wrote: »

Yes, but as far as I know, it isnt legal to make opinionated statements such as 'he was a rubbish worker'.

Actually, opinion is a legally applicable defence! You cannot lie about someone, so saying that they were a bad timekeeper if they were always on time is not acceptable. But "in my opinion, they were not a good team player" or words to that effect are perfectly ok. In the end, there are many things about references that are opinions - there is no definition for being a good team player, for example - and so opinions are permissible.