Help! Am I being screwed over by HR

I’m looking for some advice because I’m honestly at breaking point with the stress of this.

I was offered a social work job with a local council around 3 months ago. I needed to finish my qualification before I could start, which I have now done. I was told that by the time I got my qualifications I could start as they'd do all the check's.

I’ve now been waiting for the pre-employment checks to be completed. The recruitment person has been dealing with DBS and references, but she has now gone on leave. Mind you I had to call her two weeks after I got my qualifications just for her to tell me she hasn't done anything.

The issue is references. I’ve already provided 5 references, including my university reference and references relating to mu social work placements.

They have now also asked for a reference/confirmation from a two week mini placement I had. All the staff I worked with there have since left, so I can't get a reference from them. Also I don't think they will even provide it. This was never part of my references just in my CV as experience and she keeps saying I need it. I’ve contacted my university to see if they can confirm that I completed the placement. No reply from them.

They’re also after an old retail reference which is apparently partially completed. Worst part they want me to chase this company and tell them how to do the form. How on earth would I know how to do that?

I’m now in a really difficult financial position because I’ve been waiting around 3 months to start this job and obviously haven’t had the expected income. The uncertainty and delays are causing me a huge amount of stress. I am really struggling financially.