employment

[markd105]

my daughter wishes to start a new job. Although she has done nothing wrong her employer will not give her a reference

[Ethel]

Sadly the employer is not obliged to give a reference.

[antiguru]

This is probably because many employers see giving a reference as fraught with danger. Although you can say anything in a reference as long as it is true and would not come as a surprise to the ex-employee (ie has been discussed), many employment lawyers just advise not to give a reference. Usually if her new employer contacts the old firm they will confirm that she worked there in what job and when. She may like to try approaching a manager at her old firm and asking them to give her a persoanl reference. This is not on headed paper and is usually more of a character reference, but might help.

I would say though that her new employer will not find this situation strange and it will not stop her getting a job.

[Englishbird]

With some companies, it's simply a matter of too many staff. With companies that employ 2000+ people and have high staff turn-overs, they would have to employ someone purely to give references.

Again, this is quite common practice, and a future employer will have come across this. In place she could give a character reference, a friend of the family that has known her a long time, if you know a doctor or a lawyer then even better.

[sistar]

Many companies will not give references as a matter of policy. This may be because they dont want any 'come back' or just that the use time which is not productive to their business. Its not that unusual so should prohibit your daughter from getting the job.

[Ward-Minter]

If she has a "friend" in her old firm I can see no reason why s/he can not give a reference on company paper. Albeit a personal reference.

I would argue that unless your daughters' new job holds a high security risk or involves children or sensitive situations a reference is only a "proof" of previous employment anyway. Besides, her new job will probably do a police check anyway.

[WendyS]

It is becoming increasingly common for companies not to give references for fear of litigation. Even some large companies will now only offer a factural reference such as "We confirm that Miss X worked for this company in the position of Customer Service assistance from 3rd January 1997 to 5th June 2000". It is disappointing if you felt you were a good employee but I think most HR departments will understand if this is a company's policy on giving references. The only alternative is for your daughter to ask her manager or a valued colleague if they would be prepared to give her a character reference.

[spaced]

All emloyees should carry out a CRB check anyway.