Reference - change in employer after 28 years

[Sortie 10]

Particularly interested in hearing from employers.
Currently in a very tricky position having worked for an employer for over 1/4 century. Thinking of moving on. Situation is not work-related, indeed I am a valued member of the small team.
Micro business.
How do I deal with professional references? (Personal attestations will not be a problem).
Obviously I can't call on any recent former employers.
I was highly respected as a Gamesmaker in a demanding role in London 2012, but time has moved on here too (it would have been slam-dunk in say 2014)

I work in a professional office & am well regarded by clients & colleagues.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[kiethton]

In these circumstances I've had no issue stipulating that no references are to be taken from current employer until after notice has been tendered - never had an issue

[Sortie 10]

Thank you for the prompt response, really helpful.

[Macneil]

28 years with one employer is a pretty good reference in itself.

References are pretty irrelevant these days, all we do is confirm that A worked for us in the role of B between xx/xx/xx and yy/yy/yy

[Alex Z]

They aren’t looking for references to make a decision. All they are doing is confirming that you actually have worked there forever, so there will be no problem waiting till you’ve signed the contract and resigned.