Stange Email - Indeminity Insurance and References???

[iwgunter]

We all got an email through today stating:

 

In accordance with our indemnity insurance, we must have a reference for each employee on file. I realise that a couple of you have already given references – thank you, but for those of you who haven’t, please could you provide me with a reliable reference from a previous employer (within the last 3 years)to whom I can contact. If you have an email address for your reference, this makes the process a lot easier/ quicker, however a name and address will also suffice.

 

The following people need to supply me with a reference please: .....

 

I appreciate how busy everyone is, but I would grateful if you send me the info through as soon as you have it.

Does anyone know what they are on about? There has been alot of politics going about the office today and just wondering if this sounds legit - It doesn't to any of us.

 

Ta, Ian

[elche]

What is the nature of your job, and how long have you worked there?

 

Che

[iwgunter]

I work in the ITDept of a travel/car hire broker.

 

I've been there 21 months, but also people who have only just started got the email too.

 

Any ideas what it means?

[chesham]

Sounds like the company's insurer for liability has changed its terms and conditions, or they have renewed the policy with someone else.

 

Sounds genuine, although the fact they are doing it so long after you started is a bit odd. Would they not have taken references when you started?

 

No harm in asking why - they are asking for personal information, so you are entitled to ask why they are asking, for what purpose is it serving (i.e. due to new policy/ts and cs).

 

Could be they made an error in not getting one when you started. But I'd ask the question, can't do any harm.

[elche]

I'd agree with Chesham's assumption that this may well relate to a change in T & C's with their insurer.

 

All I would add is that as your job offer was not conditional upon providing this information, and you have over 12 months service, they would have to think hard before dismissing you for a failiure to provide said information.

 

BUT - why create unescessary tensions at work by outright refusal. If you like the job, why not give them the info?

 

Che