Getting a poor reference from a previous employer can be a nightmare. Unfortunately, it can happen to anyone, even to the best of workers.
Although it is commonly assumed that an employer must give a reference and writing a “bad” one is illegal, this is not technically the case.
In fact, your employer can give you a bad or unfavourable reference, if they deem it to be accurate and have reasonable grounds for that belief. However, it is illegal to give an inaccurate reference.
In addition, your boss isn’t actually required to give you a reference at all, unless it is stated in your contract that you are entitled to one. However, more reasonable managers may do so anyway.
“A work reference has to be fair and not misleading. In other words, all the information has to be accurate and not subject to personal opinions,” says Victoria McLean, founder and CEO of City CV, the UK career consultancy and outplacement services firm.
“Given the potential…
