Reference Checking Myth-Busting

Reference checking has changed over the last 10 years in the UK. We’ve moved from offering informative, opinion-based feedback about former employees, to providing only neutral references that simply confirm a candidate’s name, dates of employment and job title.                                                                      

While there may be many reasons for this, the common assumption is that it has come about due to the fear or paranoia of a legal battle resulting from candidate claims of defamation, negligence or discrimination.

There is an industry-wide perception that the somewhat cavalier approach traditionally taken to reference checking is still the norm, and therefore leaves those involved in the process open to risk. It’s time to do some myth-busting.

Myth #1: Referees can be sued for giving a bad reference