Former employer contacting new employer without my permission

[apey1980]

I started a new job and on the first day my old employer contacted my new employer and told them she had something she thought they needed to know. She later told them she would not employ me again. I did not use her as a reference and she has not asked me for permission to contact them. Where do I stand please?

[enquirer]

Re: Former employer contacting new employer without my permission

Your new employer was aware, courtesy of your CV, of your old employer, but did not choose to make contact. Nor did you offer your previous employer as a reference. It appears that it was your old employer who initiated that conversation (how was she aware of your new employers identity? How do you know that she made contact?).

She is at liberty to speak - she does not need your permission - but depending on what was said, and the medium employed, you could be looking at slander or libel.

If you think that this may have an adverse effect on your current or future employment, you might consider a SAR (Subject Access Request) under the Data Protection Act 1998, to one or both of them, requiring disclosure of documents pertaining to yourself.

Be aware that your new employer might not appreciate becoming embroiled in a dispute of this nature and that this might effect a future decision to confirm you in post.

[Johnboy007]

Re: Former employer contacting new employer without my permission

Your old employer should have asked your permission to contact your new employer.
He / she does not have to give you or your new employer a reference.
But if they do, it should be truthful.
As enquirer states, your new employer might not appreciate becoming embroiled in a dispute of this nature.
Better to let sleeping dogs lie, and prove your worth to your new employer by your future actions.

[wales01man]

Re: Former employer contacting new employer without my permission

Any chance the Employers know each other?