New empployer ask HR contact of my previsous employer? Can I refuse?

in contract, only two references are required(one from current employer must be included).
I have provided 3 references(one is colleague from my latest employer one is the general manager of 'old'previous employers and one from university) ( I have no current employer, I spent a year studying after I resigned from previous employer).
But this company's HR asked me for HR's contact of my previous employer even before checking the 3 reference I provided.
I do not wanna provide that info due to I being unfairly treated by my previous supervisor who played a nasty record at my personnel file around time I was pregnant. that is why I resigned.
1. Can I say No to this new employer's HR, who is very aggressive
2. how can I make sure that previous HR would not disclose that nasty record in the reference.
3. Can I ask a copy of reference from previous HR.

any help would be appreciated. I do value this job opportunity and dont want previous unfairness continue affecting me.

Cari

I would just like to correct those people who have said that an employer cannot give you a bad reference.

AN EMPLOYER CAN PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION THEY LIKE ON A REFERENCE, GOOD OR BAD, PROVIDED THAT IT IS FACTUAL. Provided it is factual, even if it is bad there is absolutely no recourse that you can take.

It is a *fact* that you have a warning on your record, and therefore an employer can divulge this.

Brian H

Well, you could always explain this to your new employer and maybe honestly is the best policy.

However, it is actually illegal for a company to provide you with a bad reference... they can either give you a standard one stating you worked there and the times, or a good one.... of course, thaey are allowed to refuse to give you one,.... but thats extreme.

jone s

Jobs-
http://jobchmob.com/

Cubs Girl

It is important that references are kept up to date. Why do you have an issue with this? Employer can say whatever they want as long as it is factual/truthful.

Angela T

Hello,
It is common practice for employeers checking references to write directly to the Hr Department rather than a specific manager.
It is also uncommon for firms to disclose any personal remarks on a reference. Most firms confirm start and end dates, job title and sick days if applicable.
You will not be able to stop the new company from contacting HR, nor can you stop the old company providing a reference.

If you feel comfortable, advise the new company the reason why you left your last firm and that you would like your line manager contacted, however this may not be suitable.

Under the Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act, you are entitled to see all records held by a previous or current employer by requesting in writing. If you are very worried about what the firm has on you, request for this information in writing.

You could always ring your old firm pretending you are from a made up company and ask for a reference on you that way you could see what they would say about you, thats not the best option but at least it would put your mind at east if you were to forgo this job.

Good Luck :-)

gellert

You can refuse the HR person permission to check with your former employer for a reference but it will seriously hinder your chances of getting the job. Alternitavely, you could allow your prospective employer to contact your former employer, who incidentally, is not legally permitted to give you an adverse reference (in the UK), on condition that you are allowed to see the reference. If it does turn out that you have been given a poor reference and as a direct result you do not get the job, then you can take legal action and seek damages from your former employee.

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