However, ACAS frequently receive questions from concerned employers and employees alike, who are unsure about what to include in a reference, or what to do when there is a problem with the reference.
On the back of this, ACAS published their new guidance on 4 th September, with new information on what to include and how to resolve issues.
Does an employer have to give a reference?
Unless working in specific industries, such as those regulated by the Financial Services Authority, an employer can choose whether they provide a reference. They can also decide the level of detail the reference contains.
ACAS recommend that employers have a policy on references that they and their employees can refer to, which tells them what kind of information they should provide.
What can a reference include?
It can range from the basic facts like a job title and employment dates, to details about the applicant’s character, abilities, or strengths and weaknesses with regards to the role.
What is important is that the reference is a “true, accurate and fair reflection” of the applicant. This means that where an opinion is offered, it should be back up by facts.
Can an employer give a negative reference?
One of the most frequently asked questions was whether an employer could give a negative reference.
A reference must not include misleading or inaccurate information and should avoid giving opinions that cannot be supported by facts.
This can mean that some references could show that a person is unsuitable for the role they are applying for, or that they have not had enough relevant experience. The reference may also give a different reason for leaving or use a different title for the role the applicant had previously.