Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Ensures personal data is processed lawfully and fairly, only includes relevant information, requires appropriate consent, and maintains data accuracy. Key legislation for handling personal information in reference letters.

Defamation Act 2013: Protects against false or misleading statements that could damage reputation. Any statements made in the reference letter must be provably true if challenged.

Equality Act 2010: Prohibits discriminatory language or references and mentions of protected characteristics unless relevant. Ensures equal treatment regardless of gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Negligent Misstatement: Common law principle establishing duty to provide accurate information, with potential liability for economic loss caused by inaccurate references.

Employment Rights Act 1996: Establishes right to receive a reference if stipulated in contract and obligation to provide basic factual references in regulated industries.

Malicious Falsehood: Legal principle prohibiting deliberately false statements that could cause damage to the former employee.