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Our mission is to support & advocate for people with criminal records to be able to move on positively in their lives. Find out more

Getting a reference from a previous employer

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.

We hope you find this helpful. Let us know what you think by completing our feedback form.

For more information

  1. For practical self-help information – Find more information on looking for and keeping employment.

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Photo of Head of Advice, Debbie Sadler
Debbie Sadler
Head of Advice

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