better to call the previous employer... i interviewed a斷約工人 (got fired after working for 1yr & 7 months) couple months ago.
I was happy with her during the interview and she got reference letters and even got ex-employer's number (a Westerner).
I called.. and comments were great from the employer in regarding her performance and personality... until i asked about her honesty and load matters...... the truth was disappointing ... but the ex-employer still not too negative as there is no actual evidence.
So... you have to be careful coz' different employers have different standard.