Is it possible for a former employer to prevent recruitment agencies from hiring someone he really hates?

In the UK? I had quite an issue with a former boss who's a psychopath in my opinion. I'm just a translator and I wonder if he has access himself or through HR to a way of alerting 's people who may hire me that they shouldn't. No paranoia... it's just weird.


By the way the big fight was about me needing time off to look after my ederly parents abroad. (alzheimer)

More info, I.m a French national, but I like the UK (especially Scotland) I became a Team Lead, and I must say my staff was well treated. I've worked for great companies and in humble jobs too, it's just that last manager that is making my life hell.

For instance in the office, he rose the temperature to a point were people could hardly breathe and kept the shutters on the windows so it was always dark, he didn't take into account simple requests for guidance and was incoherent with instructuions....

If they approached him for a reference he can not give you a bad one, he can only answer the questions they pose or refuse to give you a reference at all. A refuel to give alerts the agency to possible problems. One question they may ask is would you reemploy and of cause he would answer no, which gives the same impression, that is how it should be but trust me if the request for an reference is by phone so no paper trail they will ask him on the quiet if there were any issues and all he has got to answer is your time keeping or similar. It shouldn't happen but believe me it does, very, very often.

No the only thing he can do is refuse to give you a reference (you're not allowed to give a bad reference anymore). Most agencies will want to meet you when you sign up so it shouldnt be a problem and I dont remember any of mine asking for references when I joined. So nothing to worry about as far as I can see. Forget about him!

I'd think it's possible, but it would belong within the Dirty Tricks Department.

Did you get this job with the psycho through a recruitment agency? if so tell then about him so they can take steps not to send anyone else to this madman, I dont think he can stop you getting another job, but if things are looking thin and youre not getting any work, then ask the angencies you use if he has done anything against you, then sue his @ss six ways from sunday...

yes it is very possible.

Could he undermine you with one or two agencies with which he's well-connected? Maybe....but most competent recruiters can pretty quickly size up someone who's out for revenge. Remember, they interview people for a living. It's unlikely they'd refuse to hire you on his word alone - they'd check several former employers and of course how you present youself will also go a long way toward forming their opinion.

I wouldn't worry about it - he sounds like a complete nut job and if that is apparent to you, it will be to others as well. Good luck.

Word of mouth is one of the most useful tools in the world, and although this man cant actually stop people from employing you, he could tarnish your reputation to the point where future employers will see you as a liability. Speak to him and see if he can reason, if that doesn't work try and get people to back up what your saying and confront him with this. He should then see sense and stop his childish games not only with yourself but also with his future employees.