Contract fallen through

[stek]

It doesn't matter who specifically did this or what their contract says.

It's the former employer (i.e. the company) who have crossed the line here by not giving a fair and balanced reference.

I would enquire with them, politely at first, and let them try to dig into what happened. If they do not respond satisfactorily, I would remind them of their legal obligations and consider your next steps.

It's likely they would then decline to issue references in future.

I do think you would have legal recourse against the former employer if they can't substantiate their complaints e.g.:
Giving references | Law Donut

Employer? Isn't the OP a contractor? Which case he's his employer.

Haven't fully read the thread, it was answered in first few posts, which was basically drop it...

[NigelJK]

Just for clarification. I was a contractor for these people and then was persuaded to go permie. I worked for them for 2.5 years, doing what I then got slagged off for. So I returned to contracting.
Why does posting the truth and what I'd like to do about the situation attract negative rep points?
If I don't take someone's advice does not mean that I'm ignoring them, just that I don't think that it a course I'd like to take. I came asking for advice on what to do about what I thought would be a serious situation for any contractor, I don't think bending over and taking it like a man is very good advice personally.

[malvolio]

I don't think bending over and taking it like a man is very good advice personally.

It is the opinion of a bunch of other professional contractors. It's up to you if you take any notice of them. Come to that I (and others) didn't say ignore it, I said be very sure of your position before doing anything undoable.

Then again, they are still there and you aren't. Go figure...

[northernladuk]

Just for clarification. I was a contractor for these people and then was persuaded to go permie. I worked for them for 2.5 years, doing what I then got slagged off for. So I returned to contracting.
Why does posting the truth and what I'd like to do about the situation attract negative rep points?
If I don't take someone's advice does not mean that I'm ignoring them, just that I don't think that it a course I'd like to take. I came asking for advice on what to do about what I thought would be a serious situation for any contractor, I don't think bending over and taking it like a man is very good advice personally.

Making a tit of yourself for absolutely zero gain and risk further damage to reputation isn't particularly good advice either. It depends on what the outcome/risk/effort is. In some cases it is indeed worth bending over and taking it, being binned early as an example. In some cases it is just to be professional or not wind everyone up for no gain whatsoever.

If you don't like the advice EVERYONE has given you then try Mumsnet. They are overflowing with cuddles for people in your situation.

Banging on after being given the same advice by a number of long term contractors and still complaining is what you get neg'd for.

[kevpuk]

<snip>
If you don't like the advice EVERYONE has given you then try Mumsnet. They are overflowing with cuddles for people in your situation.<snip>

Ouch

Still, have to agree with NLUK

[Bunk]

It doesn't matter who specifically did this or what their contract says.

It's the former employer (i.e. the company) who have crossed the line here by not giving a fair and balanced reference.

But he doesn't even know that for sure; he's just going by the excuse the agent gave him. It could be complete fiction from the agent. Or the agent might be telling the truth, ie it's what the client told them, but that might just be a made-up excuse from the client. This is 3rd hand information and he wants to go accusing people based on it? I'd get my own solicitor on speed dial if I was him.

[northernladuk]

But he doesn't even know that for sure; he's just going by the excuse the agent gave him. It could be complete fiction from the agent. Or the agent might be telling the truth, ie it's what the client told them, but that might just be a made-up excuse from the client. This is 3rd hand information and he wants to go accusing people based on it? I'd get my own solicitor on speed dial if I was him.

If that is the case it must be true!!

[eek]

But he doesn't even know that for sure; he's just going by the excuse the agent gave him. It could be complete fiction from the agent. Or the agent might be telling the truth, ie it's what the client told them, but that might just be a made-up excuse from the client. This is 3rd hand information and he wants to go accusing people based on it? I'd get my own solicitor on speed dial if I was him.

didn't I say that on page 1.

But if someone is bad mouthing your reputation and stopping you getting work and the world is small you need to deal with it.

Personally the world is not small but some agencies and companies are just crap at times and use excuses that make things worse rather than better. I reckon this is one of those cases

[SueEllen]

Eek sometimes things need to be posted a few times for a poster to get it into their head.

[northernladuk]

Eek sometimes things need to be posted a few times for a poster to get it into their head.

Which I don't think is ever going to happen in this case.