Does my X employer HAVE to provide a certificate of employment?

[HotI]

do you want a written reference (ie how good you are), or just something that says you worked there? The HR person should beable to supply you with a document detailing the time you worked there. Written references are rarely called for these days- employers prefer to call and talk to your referees and get verbal reference, and then they can ask the specific questions they are after.

[Nicambhar]

I agree Kate, a written ref means diddly these days... I just really want something that says my position and the dates I worked there.
Lets just hope he isn't a bigger a$$ than I thought he was and gives me one.

[Sopdet]

HR are supposed to give you one. You could tell a furfie and say you're going for a loan and need a statement of employment.

[Peg]

definately should be able to get a record of employment from HR. You can even get a 'separation certificate' from centerlink and give it to payroll and they can fill it out. It basically states the period of employment and reasons for leaving.

[Nai]

Yes, they do need to provide a certificate of employment. All it needs to be is confirmation of the dates you worked there and in what capacity.