Disability - negative job references

[NoExpert]

This never happened to me, but I was wondering whether if you have a hidden disability under the Equality Act, where anxiety is a symptom - and that impacts your job performance, and you end up getting fired, would it be considered discriminatory to provide negative factual information?

[ULA]

Sorry but you need to provide more details as to what you mean by negative factual information being provided in a reference. The type of factual information normally requests in a reference are typically start date, job title, salary, reason for leaving etc. It would be difficult to see how incorrect answers could be given to these.

[NoExpert]

You can refuse to answer but not lie. For example, it's considered discriminatory to mention sickness absence if linked to a disability.

[ULA]

Indeed employers need to be very careful in responding to references if they are asked about sickness absence particulalry if for the individual concerned it was directly attributable to a disability. It is therefore safer for an ex-employer to avoid responding to sickness absence in reference requests.