I worked for an American multi-national for almost a decade and decided to leave. As it approached closer to my last day I asked for a reference and was promptly told by HR that it was against company policy to provide references I said “You're fucking joking? How am I meant to get a job?” Best they can do is provide a statement of employment.
So now all my references are over 5 years old and I'm trying to contact former clients and former colleagues who have also left to see if they would give me a reference.
I asked why this is policy and I was told if they provided a reference it could open the company to litigation if I fuck up with my next employer. Riiiight.