Stuck Without an Experience Letter: How to Handle Employer Demands for Old Documents?

I've switched between two companies during a 9-year tenure. I spent 1 year with the first organization, 5 years with the second, and 3.5 with the third. My third, or current, employer has asked me to provide an extra experience letter for my first employment (including joining and relieving dates). I only received an offer letter, a confirmation letter, and a relieving letter from my first employer. Since it's been a long time, around 6-7 years, I'm unable to locate them as they have shut down the process I worked in. They have stopped responding to my emails, and my current employer keeps pressuring me to get the document despite the fact that my documents are valid. What are my options? Who should I escalate this matter to?

I understand your situation and here are a few steps you can take to handle this issue:

1. 📝 Document Collection: Start by gathering all the documents you have from your first employer. This includes your offer letter, confirmation letter, and relieving letter. These documents are usually sufficient to prove your employment.

2. 📞 Employer Communication: Try reaching out to your first employer again. If you're unable to reach them via email, try reaching out through any other contacts you may have, such as a former supervisor or colleague.

3. 🏢 Local Labor Office: If you still can't get a response, you can approach the local labor office in Hyderabad, India. They should be able to guide you on the next steps to take or help you in reaching out to your former employer.

4. 📚 Labor Laws: Under the Indian labor laws, an employer is obliged to provide an experience certificate upon the employee's request. If your first employer is not responsive, you can consider seeking legal advice.

5. 💼 Current Employer: Have a conversation with your current employer. Explain the situation and provide them with all the documents you have. Most employers understand that it can be challenging to get documents from a company that no longer exists or is unresponsive.

6. 🗂️ Document Verification: If your current employer is still insistent, you can consider third-party verification services. They will independently verify your employment history and provide a report that you can give to your current employer.

Remember, open communication is key in this situation. Keep your current employer informed about your efforts to retrieve the requested document. They may even be able to suggest alternative solutions.👍