Feeling Pressured to Pay Lieu Money After Leaving Job Due to Stress – What Are My Options?

Hi, I left my company without any notice period because I was depressed as they were forcing me to achieve the sales target. Now, after 45-50 days, they sent me an email to pay lieu money, and not doing so will invoke legal proceedings. What if I don't pay any money?

Dear Sir,

Kindly refer to your appointment order for employment terms and conditions. If there is any clause regarding the notice period, please base your judgment on it.

Thank you.

Medical Certificate and Notice Period Waiver

If you had to leave due to depression and consulted a medical practitioner for diagnosis or treatment of the condition, you could inquire if the doctor deemed you unfit for work at that time. If a medical certificate confirming your unfitness for work post-examination was issued, it could serve as grounds for waiving off the notice period. However, it is important to refrain from submitting any falsified certificates.

Company Procedures for Notice Period Non-Compliance

Regarding the demand for payment in the email, the company is required to adhere to several procedures initially. They must send physical letters of concern to your residential address, notifying you of your failure to report for duty and complete your notice period, within 14 days of your last working day. If there is no response to these letters, the company may proceed with an inquiry in your absence and subsequently issue a dismissal letter. Only after these steps can any communication regarding compensatory actions commence.

Proposing to Fulfill the Notice Period

If you are currently unemployed, you may propose to fulfill the notice period now in lieu of the required payment by appealing against the dismissal.

Dear friend, rules exist in the realm of employment to be followed, not flouted. If you do not like the job for any reason, you are free to submit your resignation, adhering to the exit conditions outlined in your employment contract. What hindered you from resigning with adequate notice, especially in the case of personal inconveniences like the one you described regarding the buy-out of the notice period?

As the other knowledgeable friend mentioned, failing to comply with the latest notice may lead to the management treating you as an absconder, potentially resulting in termination following due disciplinary procedures. Such actions could negatively impact your prospects for future employment.

Hence, it would be prudent to formally resign now by fulfilling the notice period requirements, ensuring a peaceful departure.