ABA Family Legal Guide

Law and the Workplace

On the Job

Privacy in the Workplace

Must an employer provide an employee with a reference?

Generally speaking, no. However, at least four states--Indiana, Missouri, Texas, and Washington--require an employer to provide, upon request, a service letter to the employee. A service letter contains the nature of the employee's job while employed by the employer, the duration of the employment, and the reason for the separation.