Actually most companies’ policies is name, rank and serial number even if the person was the best employee in history.
Lawyers and lawsuits have ensured that honest opinions will never cross the threshold.
My company has that exact policy, and in fact goes even further. All Supervisory and Managment personnel have to sign an agreement that they will personally adhere to the same policy if providing an employement reference for any past or present employee ever under their control.
Basically we are only allowed to confirm their name, date of employment, position at termination, and thats it. We are specifically prohibited from providing or confirming any info on pay, termination reasons, performance, training, promotions, accomplishments, coworkers, discipline issues, attendance, or any personal info.
Although I can see the rationale of not saying something terrible about somebody, for it could seem slanderous. I fail to see how you can be sued for saying something positive.
Ah well.