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What to do if…
a former employer gives a false reference and your new job offer is at risk

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Contact the new employer promptly, explain that you believe the reference contains inaccurate or misleading information, and ask them to discuss the concern with you before deciding on the offer. Offer relevant records and an alternative referee.

Do not do these things

  • Do not send angry, threatening, or accusatory messages to either employer.
  • Do not post the dispute or the names of those involved on social media.
  • Do not alter records or ask anyone to confirm information they cannot honestly verify.
  • Do not assume a delayed response means the offer has been withdrawn.
  • Do not accept an inaccurate statement merely to end the conversation.
  • Do not rely only on telephone conversations when the offer is at risk.
  • Do not resign from another job solely because you expect the new offer to proceed.

What to do now

  1. Contact the recruiter or new employer as soon as possible. Say that you understand there is a concern about the reference, that you believe it contains inaccurate or misleading information, and that you would like to respond before they make a decision.

  2. Ask what part of the reference is causing concern. Ask whether they can share the reference or explain the disputed information. They may choose not to provide a confidential reference, but they may still discuss their concern with you.

  3. Ask the new employer to pause its decision while the information is checked. Confirm that you remain interested in the role and can provide relevant records promptly.

  4. Gather documents that directly address the disputed information. These may include your contract, job description, payslips, P45, appraisal records, disciplinary outcomes, resignation acceptance, settlement agreement, or emails confirming your role and employment dates. Share only what is relevant.

  5. Offer an alternative referee who can accurately confirm your employment or work. This could be another former manager, an authorised HR contact, or a previous employer. Ask whether the new employer would accept a basic reference confirming your role and dates of employment.

  6. Write to the former employer or its HR team. Identify each statement you believe is inaccurate, state the correction clearly, provide supporting records where appropriate, and ask them to correct or clarify the reference directly with the new employer.

  7. Save the offer and its conditions, the job description, correspondence from both employers, relevant employment records, and dated notes of telephone conversations. Keep the original files unchanged.

  8. If the offer is withdrawn or a decision is imminent, contact Acas, Citizens Advice, your trade union, or an employment adviser promptly. The available options may depend on whether the offer was conditional, whether you had accepted it, what the reference said, and whether discrimination or whistleblowing was involved.

What can wait

You do not need to decide now whether to make a formal complaint or take legal action. You also do not need to prove your entire employment history. Focus first on identifying the disputed information, giving the new employer a clear response, and supplying records or another reference that address the immediate concern.

Important reassurance

A disputed reference does not automatically determine the outcome. Acas advises recruiting employers to discuss uncertainties with an applicant before withdrawing an offer, and the new employer may consider your explanation, supporting records, clarification from the former employer, or another reference.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate steps for responding to an apparently false reference and protecting a UK job offer. Later decisions about a complaint, discrimination, whistleblowing protection, breach of contract, negligence, defamation, data protection, or legal proceedings may require specialist advice.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or professional advice. The position can depend on the reference wording, available evidence, the conditions attached to the offer, any employment or settlement agreement, and the reason the reference was given.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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