I THINK it is about time we changed the unfair system of references when applying for jobs.

It is a system which encourages petty, power-seeking individuals to ruin people's lives by giving them an unsatisfactory reference, often for reasons which are without foundation. Do these mindless despots understand or care about the damage they do, not only to that person but to a whole family who might be struggling?

Not many employers will take on staff without references, yet that may only be due to the jealousy of someone else.

The system of giving references is out of date and often becomes a case of who you know or how much you kowtow to the dominant clique. Let's change all this and adopt a healthier, objective approach to the assessment of a person's capabilities.

MARGARET

BRANDRETH-JONES