Teacher Without Appointment Letter: What Are My Legal Rights and Can I Leave Without Notice?

I am a teacher and have been working in an institution for more than two years, but I have not received an appointment letter yet. However, I am paid through my bank account, i.e., my salary is deposited directly into my bank. What legal actions can be taken against them? Also, if I decide to leave the organization, can I do so without serving any notice period?

You must ask for an appointment letter with the date of appointment. One needs to know what the exit modality is, how many months' notice is required, and other formalities, especially since you are a teacher. Quitting in the middle of a session may be problematic for the school and the students you teach.

Consider Communication Before Legal Action

Instead of thinking of taking legal action against your employer, please speak to them and find a solution. Communication has the power to resolve problems while maintaining and improving relationships, especially since you have been working with them for more than two years.

If you decide to leave the organization, provide them with reasonable notice so that they can make alternative arrangements, even though you are not expressly bound by any employment terms and conditions. Always remember that your new employer may conduct a background check through your previous employer, and it could be detrimental if your previous employer provides negative remarks.

Many organizations do not have proper processes in place and, therefore, do not bother to give out appointment letters. Their attitude is: you are getting a salary properly, so what's your problem? Others deliberately do not give it, thinking that it protects them in case of any adverse action by the employee (again, it's a fallacy).

So you need to gently ask for it without rocking the boat. If you take legal action, you will be promptly out of a job. One way is to say you are applying for a loan and they want the document.

About the notice period, schools do not come under standing orders; otherwise, you can always follow the notice period stated in it. However, it's a good idea to follow that as a guideline, to give one month's notice.