Bad references

[jonto19]

My daughter started with a large bank this week, today told to leave after receiving bad reference, which we don't understand. Can we get copies to see who gave this as she has had a problem.

[teag1rl]

I didnt think you could be given a 'bad' reference. However i believe certain things phrases can be missed out of references which will imply that the employee was no good. ie 'honest and trustworthy'.
I'm not sure if you would be able to see what the reference said, but the bank will have to back up her dismissal so maybe it will come out in the end. I'm sure someone else will know about employment law or can advise from experience.

In this day of 'Freedom of Information' i'm sure you can request copies of these references. Certainly worth a go anyway! Make sure you put the request in writing though.
Good luck!

[Postdog]

As the first answer said, it's more likely to be what is not said than what is said. No-one is going to leave themselves open to possible trouble by relating the bad, unless, I imagine it is actually relevevant and able to be backed up - ie, dismissed for stealing etc.

[dot.hawkes]

AS far as i understand it, going by my own training at work, you are not allowed to give a bad reference at all, you are allowed to write to say you are not able to provide one, which implies it would not be a positive one.

[dot.hawkes]

Plus, i know that banks do alot of checks foirst, they usually have a phoe interview then other interviews and do a credit reference check, any past employer would not be given as a referecne if there was any chance it would be refused.

[angeldraws]

Your daughter may be as well to contact the HR department of the bank that employed her to find out more information. She could also contact the previous employers contacts who she gave as referees to find out if there was a problem regarding the reference given/requested. It is better to defend oneself fully armed with the facts than to speculate as to why this may have happened, as it COULD happen again, thus reducing her future chances of getting a decent job. Good luck.

[angeldraws]

oops forgot to mention that REFERENCES ARE GENERALLY CONFIDENTIAL, tho' it is correct that a bad one should not be given.

[ChuffingHell]

She may have a case for an employment tribunal. There have been occasions where previous employers have given bad references and been taken to court over it. That's why a number of particuarly large companies, provide very non-descript references. I would speak to CRB for further info.

As to finding out who it was, you have a potential two prong approach - go to the HR department of the bank or contact the referees directly.

I would add that it was probably a really bad reference for them to actually dismiss her over it - having gone through the whole recruitment process with her first. If she really can't think what it might be about it's probably worth pursuing. If someone is bearing a grudge at a previous company it could cause problems in the future with other reference requests.

[law_enforcer]

If the job was offered on the condition of satisfactory references, and then declined because of the references obtained, then you are entitled to see them to verify the truthfulness of the reference.
With reference to the "bad". A reference must be "a true and accurate representation".
The problem is , is that if your previous employer lies about how good you are etc, and your new employer finds out different, then they can sue your previous employer
The same as you can sue your previous employer if they have lied about you in their reference.