Employers must give a reference if:

• there was a written agreement to do so
• they’re in a regulated industry, like financial services

If they give a reference it:

• must be fair and accurate – and can include details about workers’ performance and if they were sacked
• can be brief – such as job title, salary and when the worker was employed

Once the worker starts with a new employer they can ask to see a copy of a reference. They have no right to ask their previous employer.

Bad references

If the worker thinks they’ve been given an unfair or misleading reference, they may be able to claim damages in a court. The previous employer must be able to back up the reference, such as by supplying examples of warning letters.

Workers must be able to show that:

• it’s misleading or inaccurate
• they ‘suffered a loss’ – for example, a job offer was withdrawn

Workers can get legal advice, including from Citizens Advice. They may also get legal aid.

Discrimination and unfair dismissal

Workers might also claim damages from a court if:

• the employment contract says they must be given a reference but the employer refuses to
• the worker is sacked because they’ve been asked to give a reference while the worker’s still working for them

Workers can get legal advice, including from Citizens Advice. They may also get legal aid.

Contact Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) for advice.