Once you’ve been offered a job and satisfied yourself that nothing is going to be disclosed on your basic criminal record check, the next hurdle you may need to overcome is getting a reference from your previous employer.
If you’ve not worked for a while (perhaps because you’ve been serving a prison sentence) or if you were sacked by your previous employer (maybe as a result of your criminal record) then you may be worried about asking for a reference.
We’ve published some new information which sets out what legal obligations a previous employer has when providing a reference, what an employer is most likely to mention and whether an employer is entitled to disclose any unspent or spent convictions which they may be aware of.
Have a look at our getting a reference from a previous employer page and tell us about your own personal experiences
We hope you find this helpful. Let us know what you think by completing our feedback form.
For more information
- For practical self-help information – Find more information on looking for and keeping employment.
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We provide support and advice for people in England and Wales who need guidance with either their own, or someone else’s, criminal record.
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