You’ve received a reference request from another employer relating to one of your employees. It asks how many days’ sick this individual has taken in the past two years. Should you answer this
question or stay silent?
Published 20.10.2016
You’ve been contacted by another employer who’s requesting a reference about a former employee. A colleague says that you can’t issue a reference unless they send you a consent form signed by the
former employee. Is this correct?
Published 26.03.2020
When providing another employer with a reference about a current or former employee, you can reveal how many days they were absent in a particular period. But what’s the risk to you if you get that
information wrong?
Published 03.07.2017
Let’s suppose that you have a policy of giving standard references which confirm job title and employment dates only. Are you obliged to stick to these basic details or can you disclose more
information to a third party?
Published 09.09.2014
Due to confusion over the right of individual employees to access their references, new guidance has been produced. What does it say?
Published 23.02.2006
It was a huge relief when a nightmare of an employee resigned. But you’ve now received a reference request - seems like they want to be a headache for another unlucky employer. So is honesty the best
policy in this situation?
Published 09.03.2010
You’re recruiting and want some solid information on whether or not an applicant is likely to take lots of sick leave or be a potential troublemaker. With the current reluctance to give detailed
references, how can you get around this?
Published 19.05.2005
Many media reports on personnel issues give the impression that you can no longer give unfavourable references. Following a recent case is this true? If not, what must you be aware of before putting
pen to paper?
Published 03.05.2007
You’ve received a reference from a prospective employee’s former employer. It states that the individual had a lengthy period of long-term sickness absence. Can you use this as grounds to withdraw
your job offer?
Published 28.06.2016
The High Court has ruled that an employer acted lawfully when a personal opinion about a former employee was included in a reference. Does this mean personal opinions in references are OK now?
Published 20.04.2018