How to Handle Missing Form 16 and Bank Statements from a Previous Job? Need Advice!

I joined Capgemini three months ago. This is my third company, and I have three years of experience. My first company was a sole proprietorship small company with 2-3 employees, which paid me in cash. At that time, I badly needed that job as I had over a 2-year gap after graduation. I don't have Form 16. Now, the company is asking me for bank statements and Form 16 from that company, which I no longer have. What should I do? I am a very ethical and transparent person and have been so with CG from the start. Please advise me.

Hi,

I suggest you be honest as you are an ethical person, and there is nothing wrong with being truthful upfront and disclosing the situation to your current employer. When you are unable to obtain the details, how will you provide them? If the second company has furnished the documents, please submit them.

I have informed my current employer that I have been receiving my salary in cash and do not possess a Form 16. The company has requested me to send an email to the previous company owner seeking confirmation of my joining date, relieving date, designation, and the reason for changing jobs. They are also asking for documents such as the shop act license, company PAN Card, registration number, and certificate. When I inquired with the owner, he mentioned that these documents are not available as it is a small firm. Will my experience at that company not be considered since the documents are unavailable? What steps should I take now? I want to clarify that I have not provided any false information to my current employer. Looking forward to your response.