ACT Implements Notification by Public Notice
The Authority for Working Conditions (ACT) has started issuing notifications by public notice directly on its online portal in the context of labour administrative offence proceedings.
This measure, provided for in Article 8(3) of Law no. 107/2009, applies when postal notification is not feasible, allowing the ACT to publish notices of offence, reports, and administrative decisions.
The notification is deemed to have been made on the date of publication and becomes effective three days later.
From that moment, the defendant has 15 days to:
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Make voluntary payment of the fine; or
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Submit a written defence, including available evidence and a list of witnesses.
This change aims to increase efficiency and transparency in labour administrative offence proceedings conducted by the ACT.
ACT Announces Main Inspection Priorities for 2026
The Authority for Working Conditions will focus its inspections on three priority areas:
- Misclassification of contractual relationships
Inspection of false service agreements, bogus self-employment (“false green receipts”), undeclared internships and volunteering, and improperly used fixed-term employment contracts.
- Private security sector
Verification of compliance with the rules set out in the Private Security Guide, including employment contracts, remuneration, working hours, holidays, and leave.
- Pay equality between women and men
Monitoring the implementation of Pay Gap Assessment Plans and preparing for the transposition of the Pay Transparency Directive.
These actions aim to strengthen the fight against undeclared work, irregular contractual relationships, and wage inequalities, ensuring greater transparency and compliance with labour legislation.
Companies, both national and foreign, operating in Portugal should prepare for a year of increased inspections and stricter enforcement of legal obligations.
