Reference check from past employer

[delta1913]

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania.
I recently went on an interview and within the same week I was "laid off" by the current employer. To the prospective employer's understanding I am still working there as far as he knows. If I happen to get an offer, what questions can prospective employer ask my past employer and what information under law can the past employer supply the prospective employer.

 

[Beth3]

Your prospective employer can ask your former/current employer anything they wish to. Your former/current employer can tell them anything they wish with the exception of medical information they may have about you.

I urge you to tell your prospective employer you were laid off and that you no longer work there when the appropriate opportunity arises. If you don't and the prospective employer calls them for a reference and finds out you misrepresented your employment status, they'll question your honesty. Lots of people get laid off - unless there's more to the story (such as that you were actually terminated for poor job performance or misconduct) it should not impede your future employment prospects.