A reference gives important information to a potential employer that helps them to decide if a job applicant is suitable.
While it is best practice to ask for references directly from past employers, the pilot in this case put down the referee as Desilijic Tiure (an alternative name for the Star Wars character Jabba the Hutt). The reference received claimed that he has previously worked as an airline captain and on the basis of this he was promoted to a captain. However, this unscrupulous employee was found to have given the reference himself, which was false. He was therefore dismissed and ordered to repay £4,725 in training costs.
This case highlights the importance of checking references properly.
Francis-McGann v. West Atlantic UK Limited
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