iVillage logo
Search iVillage
Pregnancy
Parenting
Health
Diet & Fitness
Beauty & Fashion
Relationships
Home & Garden
Food & Drink
Work & Money
Entertainment
Horoscopes
Travel
Work & Money 
  |  Office Culture  |  Your rights  |  Can my employer refuse me a reference?
Advertisement
Topics
Succeeding & Surviving
Finding a Job
Community
Computers and Internet
Money
Office Culture
Boss issues
Socialising
Working Mums
Your rights
Bullying
Office Politics
Starting a business
Work-Life Balance
iVillage shopping

Hot stuff
Make extra cash!
Beat the credit crunch
Your SATC guide
Try our Mensa workout
Competitions
Special offers
Newsletters
sign up for FREE!




 
Promotions

Can my employer refuse me a reference?

by Work Rights Expert, Rachel Lewis

question
I have been offered a new post subject to satisfactory references from my current employer. He has procrastinated and I have had a call from my prospective employer to say no reference has yet been received. I have asked for another to be sent but am worried that the delay may result in the offer being withdrawn. I have given my boss no reason to comment negatively on my work here. How can I protect myself?
Sue

answer
Hi Sue
Unfortunately I'm afraid that as a general rule, employers are not obliged to provide references for employees. The only exception to this is if there is a specific clause in your contract saying that references must be given. Your best bet would be to speak to your manager about your concerns and apply a bit of moral pressure.

If there is no reason why he should not want to provide you with one, then it may be a case of being too busy or even having forgotten. If this gets you nowhere, then you could consider if there is anyone else within the organisation that could provide you with a reference. In any case, it may be a good idea to explain the situation to your prospective employer.

Live Q&A on Ask The Expert
Employment lawyer Rachel Lewis advises on your work-related issues

Delicious     Digg     reddit     Facebook     StumbleUpon