However, the hearing was told that when her two references from the Harris Birthright Unit at King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, south London, were called in, both said they did not feel able to comment on whether she would be suitable for the job.

BBC: Jersey doctor who operated unsupervised not interviewed

Marcia Harris, director of University Career Services at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, urges those laid off to obtain a letter of recommendation before leaving the company, explaining what happened and why, indicating the employee wasn't at fault.

WSJ: Turning That Layoff Into Career Catalyst