Am I required to give my last employer as a reference?

[Gav55]

I have recently left my last company through mutual agreement, and they are still currently paying me my termination pay and other leaving benefits. I have been offered a contract with another employer, however I am very reticent to provide my last employer as a reference as they may paint the picture of me leaving in an unflattering light. The question I have is, am I compelled to give my last employer as a reference, or if I omit them would it appear that I am trying to hide some facts?

If I do omit them what reasons could I give for doing this which again would not seem suspicious? I am aware that I am not entitled to see my reference from a previous employer until it is given to a prospective employer, but do not want to let it get this far as if I discover it is unflattering at this stage then potentially the job offer could be pulled. Advice please.

[petal54]

it is usual to give your last employer as ref,unless you wish to have this as a gap in your employment.why would they paint you in a bad light without showing themselves in a bad light. ask for a copy of ref

[EmEd1984]

as far as I am aware, the worst thing a previous employer can say is that they confirm you worked for them across the dates stated...i don't think they can actually give a 'bad' reference.

also, i'm not saying this is the case for every job (at all, in fact), but i put down a friend of mine as my previous employer and my new employer never even contacted them! i think if you omit them, like you say, it raises even more questions than if you put them in.

good luck