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Do I have a legal right to see references that are written about me?

Ok here is the situation. I work for a company through a recruitment agency. The recruitment agency is holding references on me from past companies but say they can't allow me to see them. Where do I stand on this legally?

Public Comments

1. No where. The references belong to the recruitment agency, not you.
2. I'm sorry that I have no answer for you. I did want to say though that this is a really good question. It never occured to me that this could happen. I would sure want to see them if it were me!
3. legally you can see what is written about you well in the UK anyways otherwise i am not sure, best person to talk to is your workers union... good luck
4. K W is correct. In this lawsuit crazy age most employers are afraid to give an honest evaluation of past employees. They must be guaranteed confidentiality. You obviously know what your record is.
5. I'm pretty sure you are entitled to see your own references, though I'm not sure if it only applies if you are turned down for a job.
6. If the references are on computer then you have a right under the Data Protection Act but no right to see paper files.