NotoriousREV

Well, I'm still having problems with my former employer from last year.

I'm working a temporary position, no formal end date but I know that it is due to run until april at least.

The problem is, my former employer hasn't furnished my agency with a reference (because he's a tosser) despite them sending 14 letters. The agency now say they can't allow me to work for them without this reference (they have had other references back) and it looks like they will pull me off the job tomorrow. It looks like I'll be declaring bankruptcy at this rate.

Questions are:

1) A lot of law websites say my former employer doesn't have to provide a reference, although one website says that recent case law means that not providing a reference leaves a company open to legal action if this damages employment chances, is this true? Any further info?

2) Can my agency legitimately pull the plug on me ("let you go" is what the manager of the agency said) just because a reference hasn't been recieved?

3) Whats the best way to burn someone's house down? (I kid, I kid)