Writing letters of recommendation is at the heart of being an educator

Well put Douglas. Writing references is rewarding when the student lets you know about the outcome of the application. This Semester I have received several emails from students who have got that coveted place for their Post Graduate studies or a job offer after I wrote the reference. Our job as academics is to nurture our students and help them reach greater heights. We should be pleased when the 'chore' of writing references pays off. Even if it does not, I have had students tell me how much they learnt from the process of applying for placements, jobs or graduate students even though they did not get the place. The lessons learned from this process are beneficial to both student and tutor.

I do not agree. This article does not address the problems with letters of recommendation and current campaigns to modify the system. Students in the global south are placed at a disadvantage as they may not get the same letters that American university students get

It is clear that the US is very different from the UK, where one is discouraged from all but the most factual references for students. Also, it would be a breach of UK data protection laws to still have a copy of a reference letter from more than 5 years ago.