The Government Says

'...prevent Universities and Research Institutes from selecting candidates for research or academic vacancies through references that are confidential.' -- Suzanne Bowen

Job references for research or academic posts are confidential and usually...

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/ConfidentialRefs/

seen at 12:58, 5 June in Number 10 E-Petitions - New Petitions.

TGS