You’ve made it through a tough job exit – maybe you were pushed out, sidelined or simply knew it was time to move on. You’ve found a new opportunity and you’re finally ready to put that chapter behind you.
But then you hear it.
A whisper from a former colleague. A comment at a conference. A recruiter dropping a hint. Someone from your old company has been saying things.
Negative things.
And now you’re left wondering – could this cost me my new role?
If you’re worried your old employer might give you a bad reference, here’s what you need to know – and what you can do about it.
1. You’re Not Being Paranoid – It Does Happen
As much as you’d like to believe otherwise, not every employer handles exits professionally. Some carry grudges. Some behave defensively. Some just can’t help themselves.
At London Outplacement, we regularly hear from clients who discover – sometimes through recruiters, sometimes through new employers – that someone from their old workplace has made unkind or unfair comments behind the scenes.
Most of the time, these comments are ignored. Often, they reflect more poorly on the person making them. But they can still leave a lasting impact on the individual concerned – especially when they’ve worked hard to move forward and the comments maybe unjust.
2. What a Former Employer Can and Can’t Say
In the UK, references must be:
- Fair and accurate
- Based on fact, not opinion
- Consistent with other references the company provides
If a reference is deliberately misleading, discriminatory or damaging, it could give rise to a defamation or negligent misstatement claim – especially if it leads to a lost job offer.
That said, most employers tread carefully. Many now stick to basic factual references only: job title, dates of employment, salary. Nothing more.
3. What to Do if You’re Concerned
If you’re worried a bad reference might be affecting your chances, here’s what you can do:
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Be proactive
When applying, let your prospective employer know which references are most relevant and who you recommend they speak to. You don’t have to list your previous line manager if the relationship was strained.
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Speak to your new employer
If you suspect something was said, ask them directly. Many hiring managers will be honest – especially if they sense the bad reference wasn’t justified.
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Add your own references
A reference from a client, mentor or colleague can help balance the picture. In some cases, a personal character reference can be just as powerful.
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Request a copy
You’re entitled to see any reference given about you under UK data protection law. If you’re concerned, you can make a subject access request (SAR) to the company or the recipient.
4. If You’re Still Job Hunting After a Difficult Exit
If you’ve left a toxic or highly political workplace, you might be carrying some emotional weight – anger, shame, or fear of it happening again.
This is completely normal.
What matters now is:
- Getting the right strategy in place for interviews
- Knowing how to explain your exit calmly and professionally
- Protecting your next opportunity from past baggage
A toxic reference doesn’t have to define your future – in fact, it often says more about the person giving it than about you.
What Next?
If you’re navigating a difficult job exit – or worried that someone at your old company might try to damage your reputation – we can help you take control of the situation.
We offer private, paid Strategy Consultations designed to help you:
✅ Address reference concerns with confidence
✅ Prepare for interviews after a bad exit
✅ Rebuild your story and protect your next move
