Starting a new job can seem like a mountain of paperwork. One of the most important is one you won't write. Your reference will come from your previous employer or even anyone who managed you in a work environment.
This could be from any voluntary work you have carried out, from community work or from a job. Whichever you choose, you need to know how easy it will be to get a reference.
IFor most employers, there is no legal requirement to provide a reference. However, the vast majority of employers will offer a standard reference in good will to past employees. There are a number of jobs where the provision of a reference is written into the contract, ensuring that you will be able to pass this onto your future employers. In some jobs, it is a mandatory element enforced by regulatory bodies, for example the Financial Conduct Authority enforces a reference to check that all financial advice is given by a trained professional.
An employer might refuse to give you a reference. If this happens to you and you believe that it is because of your race, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief or gender reassignment then you might be being discriminated. You will need to take the advice of an adviser who is experienced in this area. The Citizens Advice Bureau should be your first port of call. They can be contacted via email or you can walk in.
When an employer writes a reference for you, they do not have to show you what they have written. The easiest way to see this reference is to ask the employer to whom the reference was sent. You can make a request under the Data Protection Act. The employer will process your request and return the information they are allowed to show you. If you would like to find out more information on your reference request, you can check out the Information Commissioner's website.
The reference is meant to be a fact based letter which can act as a personal guide to a new employer. It will contain accurate information about your job, projects you worked on, your punctuality, task you achieved, any responsibilities you held and information about the length of time you served the employer. It should not be misleading or inaccurate. If you have health issues or a criminal record, these will not be discussed unless you have agreed to it previously.
In your reference, your employer can not give any inaccurate information, misleading or anything that is deliberately wrong. This also covers any other documents or correspondents between them and your new employer. If you experience this happening, you could take action against your employer.
Hopefully this will never happen to you, but if it does you should seek advice straight away. The Citizens Advice Bureau will be able to offer advice, or you could talk to an employment lawyer or even turn to a human resources expert.
This could be from any voluntary work you have carried out, from community work or from a job. Whichever you choose, you need to know how easy it will be to get a reference.
IFor most employers, there is no legal requirement to provide a reference. However, the vast majority of employers will offer a standard reference in good will to past employees. There are a number of jobs where the provision of a reference is written into the contract, ensuring that you will be able to pass this onto your future employers. In some jobs, it is a mandatory element enforced by regulatory bodies, for example the Financial Conduct Authority enforces a reference to check that all financial advice is given by a trained professional.
An employer might refuse to give you a reference. If this happens to you and you believe that it is because of your race, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief or gender reassignment then you might be being discriminated. You will need to take the advice of an adviser who is experienced in this area. The Citizens Advice Bureau should be your first port of call. They can be contacted via email or you can walk in.
When an employer writes a reference for you, they do not have to show you what they have written. The easiest way to see this reference is to ask the employer to whom the reference was sent. You can make a request under the Data Protection Act. The employer will process your request and return the information they are allowed to show you. If you would like to find out more information on your reference request, you can check out the Information Commissioner's website.
The reference is meant to be a fact based letter which can act as a personal guide to a new employer. It will contain accurate information about your job, projects you worked on, your punctuality, task you achieved, any responsibilities you held and information about the length of time you served the employer. It should not be misleading or inaccurate. If you have health issues or a criminal record, these will not be discussed unless you have agreed to it previously.
In your reference, your employer can not give any inaccurate information, misleading or anything that is deliberately wrong. This also covers any other documents or correspondents between them and your new employer. If you experience this happening, you could take action against your employer.
Hopefully this will never happen to you, but if it does you should seek advice straight away. The Citizens Advice Bureau will be able to offer advice, or you could talk to an employment lawyer or even turn to a human resources expert.
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