Law Updates

Employee References

There is no legal requirement to provide a reference for an employee, but if you do give one it must be honest.

It is a good idea to make offers of employment subject to the receipt of satisfactory references. That way, if you make an offer and subsequently withdraw it on the basis of a poor reference, you cannot be successfully sued for breach of contract - as long as you can support your decision with the evidence.

Many organisations, particularly smaller ones, are reluctant to give references.  If you ask for a written reference, you will often get the response, "We don't give references" or at best get a minimal, factual one, dates employed, job title, etc., which is of limited value.

The best way is to pick up the telephone and try to get someone to talk to you. This does not always work as many companies, particularly large ones and public sector organisations will not give verbal references for fear of someone saying the wrong thing, truthful as it may be.

We have many years experience of taking up references and can do it for you. We provide a speedy, cost-effective service - go to our prices page for details or click here if you wish to use this service. Alternatively, you can call us on 0845 130 7979 to discuss taking up a particular reference or to get more information about the pitfalls of references.