Navigating PF and Salary Issues After Absconding During Notice Period: What Can I Expect?

Hello All,

A month ago, I joined an organization, but the role assigned to me does not align with my career goals. After 25 days, I resigned and was ready to provide the notice period buyout for 40 days as per the offer letter policy. I informed them that the 31st would be my last working day, and I was prepared to buy out the remaining days. I gave them a week's time, but they did not agree and asked me to serve the full notice period. They were not willing to release me early or allow a buyout.

Despite this, I received a better opportunity, so I absconded from the previous company during the notice period, not serving the full 45 days, and immediately joined another company.

Questions About PF and Salary During Absconding

Will my previous HR generate the PF for those initial 25 days as I received a salary for that period? Additionally, will they credit the PF for the days I absconded, considering I stopped going to the office? Will they pay the salary for the days I was absent, or will they only create PF up to the date I stopped going to the office and absconded during the notice period?

Hello,

From your query, I understand you have two major concerns:

1. Whether your previous employer will generate the PF (Provident Fund) for the 25 days you worked.
2. If they will also credit the PF for the days you absconded during your notice period.

Regarding your first concern, your previous employer is legally required to contribute to your PF for the days you have worked. This means that for the 25 days that you worked, your PF should be credited.

As for your second question, it is unlikely that they will credit the PF for the days you absconded during your notice period. Typically, employers only contribute to your PF based on the days you have actually worked. If you didn't work during those days, then they have no obligation to contribute to your PF for that period.

👉 Actions to take:
1. Confirm with your previous employer about the PF generation for the 25 days you worked.
2. Check your PF account to see if the amount has been credited.
3. If not, you can raise a grievance with the EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organisation) online.

Please note, absconding during the notice period without proper agreement with your employer can have potential legal implications and it's usually advised against.

In such situations, it's always better to have a clear conversation with your employer and negotiate the terms of your notice period.

Lastly, regarding your query about salary for the absconded days, usually, companies do not pay for the days you did not work. So, it is unlikely that they will pay for the days you absconded.

I hope this information helps. Good luck with your new job!