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.
How to avoid risk when providing employer references
Giving departing employees a reference should be a risk-free procedure. But there are potentially damaging pitfalls to avoid.
Top 10 HR questions May 2018: GDPR special category data
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What the Oxfam scandal can teach us about background checking
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Background screening: Eight key checks employers must make
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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?
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Withdrawing job offers: the risks and how to limit them
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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...
Entries are now open. But don’t delay – as the closing date for submissions will be Friday 03 July.
