The Portuguese Competition Authority (AdC) has imposed a fine of €3,092,000 on Inetum Group, a multinational technology consulting firm, for engaging in anti-competitive practices in the labour market. This decision follows an investigation that began in March 2022, which revealed that Inetum and other companies had entered into bilateral no-poach agreements, restricting their ability to recruit each other's employees.

The no-poach agreements, which were in effect from at least March 2014 to August 2021, involved mutual commitments not to solicit or hire employees from one another. Such practices are deemed illegal under competition law as they limit competition in the labour market, reduce workers' bargaining power, and hinder job mobility, ultimately affecting wage progression.

This case marks the second sanctioning decision by the AdC regarding restrictive labour market practices since it began addressing this issue in 2020. The authority has emphasized the importance of preventing no-poach agreements, which can harm both worker welfare and overall economic competitiveness. In response, the AdC published a Report and Best Practices Guide in September 2021 to help companies avoid such agreements.

The fines imposed are calculated based on the companies' turnover in the affected market during the infringement period, with a maximum limit of 10% of the company's turnover from the previous year. The AdC considers various factors when determining the fine amount, including the severity and duration of the infringement and the financial situation of the companies involved.