past employers and what they can say about you...

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? TEXAS

what can a past employer say about you on a background investigation of a company actively seeking to hire you? For example, are they allowed to disclose exactly why you quit unexpectedly or reason for termination?

Thanks.

Many employers have policies to limit their responses to inquiries to mundane things such as dates of employment. However they are not restricted by law to hide your employment information or why you left the company.

If they make provably false statements to the prospective employer and you don't get the job, then you can pursue legal action. However, these kinds of lawsuits are expensive to fight and are hard to prove since most of the reference checks are verbal.

low_clazz said:

For example, are they allowed to disclose exactly why you quit unexpectedly or reason for termination?

Click to expand...

Yes, they may disclose the truth.

They are allowed to say anything at all provided it is the truth, or represents their honest and supportable opinion. This includes the reason your employment terminated, be it a voluntary or involuntary term.

There are, in fact, some situations (admittedly not many, but there are some) where they could be held legally liable for NOT disclosing the reason you left.