Did you get it sorted out? I’ve just seen your post and I hope you were able to start the job. I’ve given new employers all my credentials and references with complete confidence before now, only to find out that one reference was negative, but I still got the job. Although it’s still unfortunate as I found out about said reference when my new employer handed me my personal file, with tbe reference in it, because she wanted me to fill out some paperwork which was in the file also. But at least I got to see it and I actually went and spoke to the person who wrote it and got him to write a new one. That was years ago and it’s a shame this is still going on. Maybe just be a clerical error or the ref was meant for someone else if it’s so unusual? Can’t see how they’d change their mind unless they’re stupid, but you should take the ‘good’ ref from them which you used to get your last job and show it to your new employer so at least you can prove that you’re not actually a poor employee. It should be made law that all employers give a reference and if they can’t give a good one then it’s just tough, deal with the tribunal then but they should have been more careful who they take on, they’re obviously a bit stupid if they’re playing games like this but you don’t have to put up with it. You should get some advice off acas too if you’ve still got problems. They’re very good!