{"id":5708,"date":"2021-02-18T06:25:21","date_gmt":"2021-02-18T06:25:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crbdirect.org.uk\/?p=5708"},"modified":"2021-03-18T12:28:56","modified_gmt":"2021-03-18T12:28:56","slug":"reference-checking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/crbdirect.org.uk\/reference-checking\/","title":{"rendered":"Reference Checking"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the most common myths around references is that it\u2019s illegal for an employer to give you a bad one. This isn\u2019t actually true, and with more employers checking carefully into the backgrounds of the people they employ<\/a>, it\u2019s important to know the position around giving and receiving references, and why employers might want to check.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Legal Position With References<\/h2>\n

The \u201cno such thing as a bad reference\u201d myth stems from the fact that a reference has to be factually accurate and not opinion, as this leaves it open to legal challenge<\/a>. Nobody\u2019s going to sue if they get a glowing reference which talks up their achievements. However, if a former manager writes that someone was a nightmare to work<\/a> with, had a bad attitude and was downright lazy, you can see why the person concerned might be interested in challenging that. So many companies limit themselves to giving \u201cbasic\u201d references, just stating the dates of employment and the position held. Negative factual information is sometimes included too, such as stating someone was sacked for poor timekeeping. The position is different in health and social care roles, where employers have an obligation to comment on the character of the person too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So Why Bother With References?<\/h2>\n

If all employers are getting from a reference is a confirmation that you worked there, the dates of employment and the position held, you\u2019d be forgiven for wondering why they bother. From an employer\u2019s point of view however, there are lots of reasons to check references. If an applicant has stretched their dates of employment, are they perhaps trying to cover up a gap in employment for some reason? Similarly, if you are recruiting an employee based on their previous experience in a management position or a technical role, you might want to confirm that they have indeed been employed in that role for the stated period. It\u2019s all about lessening the risk to the business of taking on someone who is wholly unsuited for the row or inexperienced for it, and who costs the business in terms of both lost profit and recruiting a replacement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Giving References<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re approached to give a reference or a previous colleague or employee, then you need to be aware of the laws too. If you work for a large employer, speak to your HR department as they may well have a standard form to complete, or may even do the job themselves. If you are allowed to give a personal reference, remember that in the worst-case scenario that you might have to appear in court to justify your comments. If you do want to give someone a reference saying someone was sacked or is claiming to have had responsibilities which they didn\u2019t, then make sure you have the evidence to back that up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Choosing Referees<\/h2>\n

Applicants for jobs may not have as much flexibility as previously in choosing who they think will give them a glowing reference. New employers will want details of your most recent employers only, or college tutors<\/a> if you\u2019ve just left school or education.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

One of the most common myths around references is that it\u2019s illegal for an employer to give you a bad one. This isn\u2019t actually true, and with more employers checking carefully into the backgrounds of the people they employ, it\u2019s important to know the position around giving and receiving references, and why employers might want to check.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5718,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[34],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nReference Checking<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"It\u2019s important to know the position around giving and receiving references, and why employers might want to check.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/crbdirect.org.uk\/reference-checking\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Reference 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