Facing Legal Threats After Leaving an IT Job: How Should I Respond to My Former Employer?

Background and Employment History

I (Female) joined an IT company (small, up to 100 employees) as a Business Analyst in March 2016, with 5 years of experience, and left at the end of June 2016. The company's work environment was not good, and the behavior of the owner towards all employees, especially female employees, was inappropriate. Additionally, there was a lack of job security, as he could fire anyone at any time, which made me fearful for my future. Consequently, I decided to leave the company on June 23, 2016, by sending an immediate resignation email to HR, citing personal reasons for being unable to serve the two months' notice period. I then joined another company without disclosing this three-month experience.

Current Situation and Concerns

In my current company, I am not facing any issues. However, my previous company has persistently asked me to serve the notice period through emails, threatening legal action if I fail to comply. Each time, I've informed them that I cannot return due to personal reasons, as I chose not to disclose my new employment. Last week, they sent a recovery notice period letter to my home address. Since getting married, I now reside with my husband, and I have not received the letter either personally or officially, as they do not possess my current address. The notice includes an advocate stamp, rules, recovery amounts, etc.

Seeking Legal Advice

I am wondering about the legal actions they can take in this situation and whether I should respond to their letter. If so, how should I acknowledge it? I want to avoid any harassment or other issues, which is why I cited personal reasons and left for another job. Should I contact them and warn them that I will take legal action for harassment and behavioral problems if they proceed further?

Any legal advice would be greatly appreciated.

Right. It is another example of rascality from management side. Every employee has every right to leave from the establishment. No need to worry. Reply to them with a warning email saying that they should not disturb you again. If they repeat the behavior, they will face serious consequences such as a lawyer's notice and labor department notices if they want to trouble you more. Legally, women are carefully protected. Please go ahead. Wait for no news again from them after your reply. Be bold. The government is with you.

Notice Period and Legal Concerns

What was the notice period at your previous company? The issue here is not about serving the notice period and is not related to gender. I advise you to negotiate with your previous company and resolve the matter as peacefully as possible. You are currently in a new company, and they are unaware of your previous employment of three months and this legal dispute. They may not appreciate that your CV omitted some information, including the three-month employment period.

What is the content of the legal notice? Was it sent to the last known address or the address you provided when joining? Do not treat this matter casually; try to find a suitable settlement. Legally, you may be in a weak position as you left without notice and did not fully follow the resignation process. Take a balanced view and act in a way that keeps you comfortable and avoids a legal battle over a matter you have not informed your current company about.