Performance Feedback - Right to this by law?

Question

Hi,

I am currently on a secondment at a company in the UK, the contract to which will soon end. The HR-Service Centre says that they can only provide me with a pre-printed form, stating that I have been on this secondment (not more), which would not include any feedback as to how my performance was. In Germany (where I'm from), companies are required by law to give employees a "letter of recommendation" or written feedback at the end of a working contract. Is there a similar law in the UK? I don't want to sue my employer, but I definitely need the feedback, as most companies request these letters of recommendation when applying for a new job.

Thank you for your help!

Niko

Answer 1

UK law they are not allowed to give personal opinions only that you could do the job your time keeping was good/bad, in case they say something you disagree with and want to sue them but contact ACAS - www.acas.co.uk they might be able to give you more information

Answer 2

Nope, no law at all.  Most companies do not give written references.  Most have a policy that they will ONLY confirm the dates that you worked there.  Some might also include your job title and perhaps your salary.

But most employers won't comment upon your performance.  They're worried that if they say something bad that you'll sue them (even if it's true).  They may also be worried that if they say something good, if you don't live up to it at your next employer then that employer will sue them.

If you feel that in Germany you really won't get a job without this, I suggest you approach your line manager or someone else that you have worked closely with, and ask if they would be happy to write a letter.  However, it would need to be clear that it is not written on behalf of the employer and is their opinion - more like a character reference.

Answer 3

There is no provision in UK law to provide feedback for a leaving employee. They will give a letter of reference but this will be limited to start and end date, and probably that you were not disciplined etc, and maybe the reason why you left