Employers Reference

[stclare]

Hi, I have been asked by another employer to complete a reference for an ex-employee, however I am not happy to complete the form due to the questions asked.

I would like to just confirm his employment dates and leave it at that. What is my legal position with this? As I do not want to give a full reference as it would be terrible.

The ex-employee who left nearly 2 years ago has not contacted me direct, and has not previously asked us to complete a reference.

 

[Newchodge]

There is no legal obligation to give a reference, but if you do it must be true.

You are perfectly within your rights to write back stating that you do not give answers to the type of questions asked but that you are happy to confirm they started on x and left on y.

 

[Scott@KarmaContent]

Just out of interest, what are the questions being asked?

 

[stclare]

Just out of interest, what are the questions being asked?

Yes / No answers, with requests for examples for 2 pages based around the following kinds of questions

Trustworthy?
There Character?
Would we employ again?
Etc

Which in all good conscience I would have to say no to all.

 

[ldjames]

I don't think it's worth investing time in this. There's no obligation to do anything and filling out the form is only going to stir the metaphorical pot and waste your time. Don't bother with their form - and if they call or email just give them the start and finish dates and leave it there.

 

[fisicx]

Yes / No answers, with requests for examples for 2 pages based around the following kinds of questions

Trustworthy?
There Character?
Would we employ again?
Etc

Which in all good conscience I would have to say no to all.

Nope, nope and nope.

This is all subjective and can get you into all sorts of trouble. Just post the dates, days off sick and possibly other non attendance periods.

 

[FC@Agency]

These days, most businesses give/receive references based around the factual information mentioned (term of employment, job title etc.). As said, ignore their form, send an outline of the basic details and state that it is company policy to provide this information only.

 

[okanda]

You must provide the true information about him or her

 

[Richie N]

As others have said just confirm dates of employment, job title held. You can say it's company policy to provide this information only.

 

[Mr D]

You must provide the true information about him or her

And the true information is start date and end date.
Lots of other questions asked are opinion.

 

[DontAsk]

You must provide the true information about him or her

You don't have to provide the whole truth.