What to put in an Employers Reference

Coriolanus

Ok, Long Story Short, an employee needs a ref from me today, and there don't seem to be any blank one's on the system and no one else around that's written one.
She has quite poor English and doesn't seem to know if there's any specific details needed.
Basically, if you guys could tell me what I need to write for her, you'd be doing me a huge favour.
What's been in references you've sought from Employers before? Is it just "Jimmy is of good character and I won't be firing him any time soon." or what?

Cheers guys and gals.

not even wrong

"John Smith has been a permanent fulltime employee at XYZ Corp. for the past N years/months." is all that's required.

seamus

not even wrong wrote: »

"John Smith has been a permanent fulltime employee at XYZ Corp. for the past N years/months." is all that's required.

Correct.

However, if you want to praise the employee then that's entirely at your own discretion.

Do not say anything negative if it cannot be backed up by facts. So "XX is a great worker but I find can be a little lazy at times if I don't kick him up the arse" is a no-no. You are best to avoid saying anything negative at all and just avoid talking about the topic - so if they're always late, just don't say anything in regards to timekeeping.

Coriolanus

Alright, cheers all!
Much obliged.