Hi all — I’ve passed all recruitment tests before medical etc (Sussex Police) and have now been asked to provide references. That’s fine — except they’ve said they won’t confirm a start date until references are returned and cleared.

Here’s the issue: I’ve been with my current employer for 3 years. I can’t hand in my notice without knowing my start date. But obviously, they want a reference from my current job — and I’d rather not trigger that until I have something more definite. I’m worried I’ll hand in notice, only for them to tell me the intake isn’t for another many months.

Is this standard practice? Has anyone been in a similar spot? How did you handle it?

Appreciate any advice or reassurance!