Employer refusing to provide a reference after redundancy

Qrt

Right, so I’ve spiced up the title a bit to get people reading but it goes like this; I’ve been working in an Irish-based retailer since September as a Christmas temp, and I’ve just been let go. Anyway, I was told I could put down the contact details of the shop as a reference no problem, but the chain doesn’t “do” written references. Is that...common?

Stheno

Pretty much the norm, no one relies on written references these days tbh

tuisginideach

Are you 1 of 100s who have temp jobs there? I can completely understand employer’s standpoint if so. Anyway a written reference is worthless in my opinion - what employer is going to write anything other than anodyne platitudes? A phone call to a previous employer is far more likely to be of worth.

dartboardio

Qrt wrote: »

Right, so I’ve spiced up the title a bit to get people reading but it goes like this; I’ve been working in an Irish-based retailer since September as a Christmas temp, and I’ve just been let go. Anyway, I was told I could put down the contact details of the shop as a reference no problem, but the chain doesn’t “do” written references. Is that...common?

Thought that was the norm nowadays? References are kinda going out the window, seen as people can easily put their mother down as a fake reference for a fake corner shop they worked in.

I think nowadays the employer is just obliged to say you worked there from such and such a date, nothing about your work ethic or attendance or any of that.

Happy days for the messers.

splinter65

Qrt wrote: »

Right, so I’ve spiced up the title a bit to get people reading but it goes like this; I’ve been working in an Irish-based retailer since September as a Christmas temp, and I’ve just been let go. Anyway, I was told I could put down the contact details of the shop as a reference no problem, but the chain doesn’t “do” written references. Is that...common?

Written references ceased to be a thing 20 years ago. It’s kind of them to let you use the contact details they gave you.

Qrt

Cheers, it was my proper first job so I’m a bit new at this. I had a casual job abroad last year and got a reference but different cultures etc.

Thanks all.

LollipopJimmy

Written references arent really a thing. Anyway if you worked for a big chain you will likely be given a verbal statement of employment from their HR, basically they'll confirm the dates you worked there and your typical duties. References are a legal minefield these days

dreamers75

Its fairly normal new HR in your new job will call them with a preset of questions, they will either be answered or not.

Just to note not answering them can lead to the person not getting a job because whoever was your boss wont do you the courtesy of a phonecall for 5 minutes.

My personal take is the employee showed up to work I can at least spare 5 minutes to help them get another job if they were a muppet the questions their new HR ask me will reveal that....especially the last one " would I rehire them"

Also I never give a reference on the 1st call I ask for a landline and name I can call back (i google the company/number) , 2 reasons GDPR and have had a few muppets over the years.