Bad reference cost a job...

[Andycal]

My brother was only days away from moving himself and his family 150 miles south to a new job. He's quit his other job as he was offered this new one just under a month ago subject to references.

However (you can see what's coming!), he got a bad reference and the job was withdrawn.

He investigated and discovered that the referee cited an incident in which he received a verbal warning seven years ago. He also said he "would not re-employ him" when asked.

This was confusing as by brother had already had a fantastic reference from the same person.

He then checked the paperwork from the report into the incident and it stated that there would be no more action and that the verbal warning would be "erased from record after eight months". Not only that, he checked his employment history and the same person that said he would not re-employ him had actually promoted him a few months after the incident.

Now, the unions are getting involved as it seems like a false reference was given but I'm interested to know anyone's views who has experience in these things. If the job was withdrawn because of the reference and that turns out to be false, then should the job be re-offered?

 

[Zeal]

I'm not clued on law... but,

I do know to save potential legal battles... if there's a bad reference, quiet often - employers just "refuse to comment" instead.

This obviously isn't the case with yours... sounds like a false reference - so going from the above statement... "potential legal battle" this may well happen.


As for the new employer re-issuing the job..... I would imagine - it is completely down to them. There's no legal obligation... just discretion.


What I would do - Contact the new employer, carefully + calmly explain the situation.

 

[Andycal]

I'm only getting info third had at the moment as it comes through, but I agree with you, I thought it was better to go 'no comment'. Seems there was a grudge...

 

[3 MORE YEARS]

As far as I understood it, you can't give a negative reference. I am sure a HR expert will be able to advise.

 

[Richie N]

Your friend should call the prospect employer and explain the situation, offering an alternative referee, as the job may have been given to someone else by now.

 

[Andycal]

Your friend should call the prospect employer and explain the situation, offering an alternative referee, as the job may have been given to someone else by now.

It hasn't been filled yet, they need to go through the whole process again which they admit is a pain in the ass. It appears now that the Union are on the case and are talking about 'loss of earnings' and all sorts of fun. I'm lucky in that I can watch from the sidelines, but it appears somebody's going to get a kick up the nethers.