When we got job seeking training as part of a redundancy package they said to always put References available on request, that way you can easily ask them which they would prefer when they ask you. For people in jobs it is good because often you don't want someone knowing until you have an offer (all jobs I have had they have offered pending a reference check) so you can disclose to a manager at point of offer. It also takes up less space on a CV. From an employer point of view they also often don't want bother of checking references until they know you want to take up position anyway. I think most employers would be used to the on request statement.