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This Practice Note outlines the issues that arise in relation to giving, or seeking, an employment reference (ie a reference concerning the employee’s employment history) in respect of an existing, former or prospective employee.

The employer may also be asked to provide a financial reference for an employee, eg in relation to a mortgage application. Such a reference typically involves the provision of brief, factual details, such as dates of employment, Remuneration and the extent to which the employment is permanent.

This Practice Note is concerned only with employment references.

For an overview of the practical issues to consider when requesting or providing a reference, see: Checklist for references.

Acas has produced guidance on job references, including:

1. •

   when an employer must give a reference

2. •

   what employers can say in a reference

3. •

   what an individual can do if they cannot get a reference

4. •

   what an individual can do if they get a bad reference