LinkedIn is facing a class action lawsuit in California over its premium “reference search” function that allows employers to identify and approach applicants’ former colleagues. Resourcing professionals who pay for premium LinkedIn account status are able to find people in their network who have worked at an organisation at the same time as a job applicant. Without informing them, the recruiter can then contact those individuals to ask about the candidates’ previous employment.

According to the “Premium Help Center” on LinkedIn, “a reference search locates people in your network who can provide reliable feedback about a job candidate or business prospect. You’ll see a list of people who have worked at the same company during the same time period as the member you would like to learn more about.” One of the plaintiffs alleges that she submitted her CV for a role in the hospitality industry through LinkedIn, she was informed after an interview that she had got the job, no references were sought from her, but then the job offer was withdrawn on the basis that that the company had checked some references and, based on those references, had changed its mind. The other plaintiffs also had similar experiences.

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