References (Bad)

[richardfinch]

HI, can someone tell me if its illegal to write (or verbally state) a bad reference, and if so point me to where this may be documented.
My sister got forced to resign from her last job, Citizens advice are recommending her to go for constructive dismissal, and my sister has just unsuccesfully missed a new role, i think because of a bad reference, but neither me or the guy at CAB can find anything documented about writing a bad reference, but we both think it is against the law, just cant find it written anywhere
thanks
richard

[CheekyChops]

A reference has to be factually correct - if she was off sick all the time and consistently turning up late, they are allowed to say so.

Has she asked for feedback on why she was unsuccessful in her application for the other job?

[Twenty20]

I'm afraid it's just a myth (albeit a very popular one) that you cant be given a bad reference by an employer. As CheekyChops says, so long as its truthful and accurate it can be a bad reference.

Really, the CAB should know better, but unfortunately they dont always give the best advice.

It would be interesting to know how or why she was forced to resign though. Why do CAB think it was constructive dismissal?

[buildersmate]

'I was forced to resign because I knew they would give me a bad reference when I applied for my next job'.

Barking mad - CAB should know better. It won't get off the ground - sorry.