References
Most employers request references on a prospective employee to verify, for example, information about his or her employment history.
While there is generally no legal obligation on an employer to provide a reference on an employee or former employee to a prospective employer, when employers do respond to reference requests, they should aim to treat all requests consistently.
What the Oxfam scandal can teach us about background checking
The recent scandals involving Oxfam and other charities have come as a surprise to many, but could these embarrassing allegations...
Background screening: Eight key checks employers must make
Increased compliance means rising numbers of employers are performing numerous background checks on employees. Steve Smith...
Reference requests: eight things every employer should know
It is common practice for employers to provide references for employees and ex-employees, but there are risks involved. Sarah Anderson...
Leadsom and “CV-gate”: how can HR always be sure of accuracy?
Before she stepped out of the Conservative party leadership race earlier this week, Andrea Leadsom had already attracted unwanted attention...
Withdrawing job offers: the risks and how to limit them
Can you withdraw a job offer once it has been made? We look at the risks employers face if they...
Employer withdrew job offer due to sickness absence
An employment tribunal held that a nurse was the victim of discrimination arising from disability, after her prospective employer withdrew...
Candidates sue LinkedIn over lost job opportunities
LinkedIn is facing a class action lawsuit in California over its premium “reference search” function that allows employers to identify...
Recruitment and dismissal in Europe: what employers need to know
Recruitment and dismissal can be problematic for businesses, particularly when employers are unaware of the legal consequences of their actions....
Vetting and barring changes 2012: three things employers need to know
From 10 September 2012, a number of amendments to the vetting and barring scheme, which is designed to protect vulnerable...
Legal opinion: Liability for statements about former employees
It has long been accepted that an employer will owe a duty of care in respect of a reference given...
Weekly dilemma: References for poor former employees
I have received a reference request from an employee I was pleased to get rid of. Do I have to...
Weekly dilemma: Pre-employment screening
My company is gearing up for a round of recruitment. I realise people often exaggerate their employment history and experience,...
Case of the week: Brown v Baxter and another t/a Careham Hall
Brown v Baxter and another t/a Careham HallFACTSThe claimant, Emma Brown, worked as an assistant care manager at a residential...
FSA reminds chief executives to closely vet candidates for influential roles
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has written to the chief executives of 5,000 firms to remind them of their responsibilities...
Cheltenham Borough Council conducts Laird case post mortem
Cheltenham Borough Council has already made “significant” changes to its recruitment practices after it lost a £1m High Court battle...
