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Does anyone here know on whether or not a job reference from a previous employer to a potential new one is allowed to mention the time you had off sick? Just been turned down for a job on this basis, that I had over month off ill with doc note, so they didn't give it to me. Are they allowed to do that? Is it even legal?

I have a feeling it might be...
AFAIK Your previous employer may have mentioned your month off but not gone into detail or anything.
If it's a condition that repeats itself then they have done it for good reason IMO.
If it's a one off then they are simply being silly.
That said that is just my thoughts.
I can ask a professional in a few hours if you'd like me to...

In the US, I do not believe they can talk about that stuff. I am not a lawyer however, so you might wish to consult one if the job was lucrative.

Just checked.
This is a legitimate basis to turn you down on.
Some employers are very concerned with their employees health and unless it is a disability they can turn you down on that basis.
Apparently the best thing to do is be upfront about it. Did they ask you about the reason for the absence? If not you may want to tell them to start with so they can put any fears to rest concerning that.

I was open to the Occupational Health in my interview and they said I was fine. The Trust said they couldn't hire me because of this and they don't do short term contracts to prove I was fine.

My main concern is if it was right for my previous employer to put the whole being off ill down, even though I am now clear and they were a part of my being ill.

Azza007 wrote:I was open to the Occupational Health in my interview and they said I was fine. The Trust said they couldn't hire me because of this and they don't do short term contracts to prove I was fine.

My main concern is if it was right for my previous employer to put the whole being off ill down, even though I am now clear and they were a part of my being ill.

Not occupational health.
They want you to work. If your reference says you have taken a relatively long leave because of ill health they may not think it's worth hiring you over someone else whose reference doesn't say that...
References are obliged to be fair and accurate as well...