Employment references - how long?

[tony84]

I am looking at taking someone on. I emailed out for 3 references, I had one back within 30 minutes, the other is with Tesco and has been nearly 2 weeks and the last one was from the applicants point of contact at the DWP for job seekers - the DWP I just sent an email saying we have been advised that this lady was receiving benefits between this dates, can you confirm that is correct, so not even a difficult one.

How long should I wait before chasing up?

 

[LawHound]

Chase when you want to, the employer is under no obligation to provide them and a quick call often results in what you need coming in faster.

 

[Newchodge]

I would make a formal complaint to the DWP - they are prolonging someone staying on benefits who could be in a job! Tesco could be any time. It will almost certainly just say x was employed by us as a xxxx from xxx to xxxx.

 

[tony84]

The lady has a job already so is not on benefits any more.
But as we are regulated by the FCA we need a minimum 5 year history.