Can I Leave My Job Early Despite an Online Consent for a Year-Long Commitment?

Hi there, my employer has taken online consent that I should complete a year using HR software. However, the same was not communicated at the time of the interview and in the employment agreement. Can I still leave the job before one year?

Thank you.

Hi, when it was not communicated to you in advance during the interview process, why did you give your consent online?

They have taken to saying it is mandatory.

Does this have a legal standing?

Hi, it depends on the content of the consent.

Unilateral Changes in Employment Agreements

Strictly speaking, employers cannot make unilateral changes to the agreed terms in an employment agreement unless the terms of the employment agreement allow the employer to do so.

Hello, for transparent information, you should have discussed this before signing. Going further, you can discuss with the Head of HR regarding the same. I think this happened due to a communication gap.

Hi, If the employer is imparting training for an employee, then the employer can ask the employee to sign the training agreement. A training agreement is legally valid. It should have the terms and conditions of any training provided to the employee and establish the cost of training. In case of any violation of the training agreement, the employer should substantiate the money incurred for training and cannot claim money arbitrarily. While physically signed training agreements are easily violated, the status of online consent that binds one to the employer for one year remains a significant question mark.

That's what is making my brain twist, as I have a better opportunity elsewhere. My only concern is that this concept should not come between me and leaving the organization.

Hi, When you are not sure about continuing with the employer for a one-year period, you shouldn't agree to a one-year term (give consent). Wherever possible, try to complete the one-year term, or sometimes the employer will accept an extended notice period for employees in this category. Without knowing the content of the consent, we can't give you false assurance that it is not valid or otherwise.