Is it acceptable for HR to ask for payslips from your previous employer so that they can base your new salary off your previous pay?

you are unable to value my contribution to your company by yourself? If you think the number is okay, then we can go ahead, otherwise as I said, I shall pass.

Well, this is one of the top reason I don’t land up with job offers.

The following is a conversation that I generally have with HRs before (not) being given the role.

HR: So, Aditya, it has been good thus far and now for some general formality.

Me: (I know where this is heading)

HR: We would like to know your present salary.

Me: Oh, well, I do not think that is relevant since I have already said that I am looking at around this {insert a good number here}.

HR: Okay, but we would need how much you earn right now so that we can chalk out a competitive figure.

Me: Yes, so this {same number} is good for me, if that is not possible then I shall pass.

HR: Yes, Aditya, but we need to know how much hike would you be getting if we pay you that much.

Me: But if you don’t pay me that much I won’t be joining then there is no need for you to understand the hike.

HR: It does not work like this, Aditya.

Me: Okay, I’m actually not taking a hike here. {This number} that I have mentioned is actually much lower than what I’m presently getting. Is that fine?

HR: Huh!? (perplexed at this point) Sir, we need to pass this information to the HR team and the hike will be determined there, we are ready to give you a hike if you aren’t getting one, we would just like to know how much.

Me: So you are saying that you bank on my previous employer’s ability to estimate my worth, and you are unable to value my contribution to your company by yourself? If you think the number is okay, then we can go ahead, otherwise as I said, I shall pass.

HR: Sorry sir, we need this information otherwise we may not be able to send you an offer.

Me: That is completely fine. Just tell me one thing, if I did tell you and if I did get a job and join, would you require me to sign a confidentiality agreement saying that I do not disclose my salary to anyone under any circumstances?

HR: Yes that is the protocol.

Me: Great, thanks. Have a nice day.