I was asked if I wanted to do a short term interesting contract at a place I worked before. Had plans already for the rest of the year but agreed to put my name forward.

Turns out that out of 30+ names I ened up giving as who I had worked there they had all left. They could confirm I worked there but no one could give me a personal reference.

They went back to the previous gig and I had given 20+ names and same story.

They then went back to the previous as they wanted references for last 3 contracts I had worked on, "the company has left the country".

I have some previous written references but turns out they are no good.