previous employer reference

[KimberleyChris]

morse code?

in that case...

Put the kettle on Lewis. full throttle

--. --- --- -.. -. .. --. .... - .- .-.. .-..

[realityhack]

I believe employers have to give a reference

Nope:

Does your employer have to give you a reference?
If you want to leave your job you will probably want a reference. It's good practice for your employer to give one, but they don't have to if your contract doesn't say they have to, except in some regulated industries like financial services.

Linky

Aha. That'll be why that's the case in my experience.