How to Handle Overlapping Job Exit and New Start Dates After Unpaid Leave?

I was working at X company. Then I decided to take an IT course lasting 6-7 months and submitted my resignation. Instead of accepting my resignation, they granted me 7 months of unpaid leave. Due to pressure from managers, I accepted the unpaid leave, but all communication was conducted over team meetings and phone calls, with nothing in writing.

That was in the month of February, with the 10th of February being my last day before leaving. After completing the course, I received a better opportunity in IT, but they required an immediate start on the 25th of August. The new company informed me of the joining date on the 17th of August.

Immediately on the 18th, I submitted my resignation and was prepared to buy out the notice period for immediate relief. The old employer was not responding to me at all. I informed the new employer and joined them. Now, my old employer has accepted my resignation and asked me to pay the dues for the notice period of 3 months. After payment, they stated that my date of exit on EPF would be the 31st of August, but I had already joined the new employer on the 25th of August.

I have been continuously requesting them to set the date of exit on or before the 25th, but they are not listening. What can we do now?

Hi, Before making the payment to your ex-employer, you should have checked on this. The ex-employer typically processes nil salary without pay, so they should have considered your situation before closing. Never join a new employer before your ex-employer officially relieves you. Now, you need to request this information from your ex-employer only.