This is an agreement not to sue. It waives one’s right to sue and is intended to release your employer from any legal liability for claims you may have against it. A release may cover legal claims you didn’t know about when you signed, as long as the events underlying the claims already occurred. Generally, it does not place any legal obligation on an employer to provide a reference for an employee or ex-employee. The employer is entitled to refuse to provide one.

In exchange for Company’s agreement to depart from its general policy and to disclose additional employment-related information pursuant to the Employee request, the Employee agrees to release and discharge the Company and Company’s successors by signing the Employment Reference Agreement.

A detailed reference (or character reference) may include: answers to questions from the employer requesting the reference, details about your skills, ability and experience, details about your character, strengths and weaknesses relating to your suitability for the new role, how often you were off work, disciplinary details, the reason you left the job.

Note that the amount of detail included in the reference is up to the person who provides it, unless their employer has a specific policy on this. However, even if it is the case, references must not: be misleading, and should not include irrelevant personal information.

Finally, all details about the former employee, their role or performance must be fair and accurate. If opinions are provided, there should be evidence to support the opinion.