References from large companies?

Why will large companies only give confirmation that an employee worked for them between such and such dates and not a full job reference? Also when you employ someone on their behalf they insist that you get 2 or more references for the new recruit despite the fact that it is very hard for you to obtain them for exactly the reason given above?!

(I am UK and Ireland)

A US answer although it may apply:

Lawsuits. D@rned if you do, d@rned if you don't. GIve honest references, tell the truth and if the former employee is a bozo--you will risk being sued for "defamation of character" by the former employee; give references that don't address the "improvement opportunities" of the employee, and risk a negligent hiring suit by another employer who is mad you didn't tell them the truth about the slug you fired that they hired based on your neutral and / or non reference. You cant win if you say anything. So most american corporations today say NOTHING, to avoid both sides of the lawsuit.

DOnt know if it is the same in the UK and Ireland...but in the US, I know of what I speak. Source(s): 25+ years of HR in US; 10+ years top people executive for large company

Simple... it's called fear of being sued.

If a company gives a good reference, and the person turns out to be a dud, then the new company can sue for false pretenses... like wise, if the company gives a bad reference, then the employee can sue the company as well...

thus companies should only state that yes the employee had worked for them ...period
They should give references certainly in the UK.

Gaz bet you don't get best answer but I like your explanation