poor attendance on job reference

[laurassparkles123]

Hi im looking for some advice. I have just been offered a new job and completed all my induction training. I am now ready to start my job on my own. The company is waiting for a reference from my previous employer - who seem to be dragging their heels. My problem is I have a high attendance rate as I had 2 operations within 8 weeks of each other and was off for a total of 5 weeks with both. my daughter was then taken into hospital and I was off for 1 week. Although I have completed all my training can my new employer withdraw the offer of employment based on this reference?

[Ellypoo]

Can you explain to your new employer the reasons for non-attendance? It should be clear that they (hopefully) aren't reasons for regular non-attendance. If you can get to speak to them before they receive the reference, then I think that should be in your favour.
But yes, basically I think they could, unless the operations were due to a disability.