Bad reference leading to withdrawal of job offer

[Greendiary82]

Hi,
Wonder if anyone can help - my stepson (18) was working full time up until today. He was offered a better job a few weeks ago and handed in his notice.
His boss accepted his notice but was a bit annoyed about it. He was due to finish next Friday but boss let him go today.
On Monday SS had an accident with the work van in the car park causing damage to the fence. Boss found out about it before SS had a chance to tell him so was obv annoyed.
Fast forward to today - boss said when letting him go 'the next time you damage a fence make sure you tell the person as it will come back and bite you in the bum'
Now at 5.30 the new job offer has been withdrawn due to bad reference given by old boss.
It's obvious that SS was let away early as boss knew he was giving a bad reference.
Prior to his notice being given in, SS was doing well and they were talking about him going through formal training.
I have spoken to ACAS who suggest we ask for a copy of the reference but wondered if anyone had any other advice.

Also - is it likely the job offer will be reinstated?

He is so hacked off at the moment - understandably.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks in advance.

[des8]

Re: Bad reference leading to withdrawal of job offer

H and welcome.

Acas are correct.
You need to see the reference to see if it is accurate,
If your sson can show it is inaccurate or misleading, and as he has had a job withdrawn, he could then claim damages in court.

Whether or not the job offer would be reinstated would depend first of all if the vacancy hadn't been filled.
Did your SSon explain to his new employer the circumstances?

[Greendiary82]

Re: Bad reference leading to withdrawal of job offer

Hi sorry for the late reply - was out.
No he didn't get a chance to explain things - I think he was just shocked. This would only have been his second full time job so is perhaps a bit naive.
We will draft an email for him to send over the weekend - I felt so sorry for him tonight - he's the type to see the best in everyone so for someone to do this - he can't understand it.
Thank you again for your reply.