***TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE OF BLANCHED***

Welcome to Blanched, a digital platform that connects job seekers with employers in the hospitality and restaurant industry in Portugal and the European Union. Before using our services, please read our Terms and Conditions of Use carefully, as they define your rights and responsibilities as a user.

1. Introduction

The Terms and Conditions of use of the Blanched platform (“Terms and Conditions”) regulate access to and use of the Blanched platform (“Platform”). The use of the Platform implies full and unconditional acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, as well as the Privacy Policy, both for users considered workers (“Candidates”) and for users considered businesses (“Restaurants”).

Users who register on the Platform confirm that they agree with the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy.

2. Purpose of the Platform

The Blanched Platform is a service that facilitates the hiring process in the hospitality and restaurant sector by connecting Restaurants and Candidates more efficiently.

Restaurants fill out a form detailing the characteristics of the profile they are looking for (position, experience, skills, desired salary, among others). Based on this data, Blanched's system automatically recommends the most suitable Candidates from our database.

Candidates can view Restaurant profiles and express interest in the ones they would like to work at, enabling a faster and more targeted match.

3. Use of the Platform

Use of the Platform is subject to the following conditions:

3.1. Registration

To use the Platform, users must create a personal account. The user guarantees that the data provided is true, complete, and up to date, and agrees to keep it updated.

3.2. User Responsibility

The user is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account and password. Blanched is not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from unauthorized use of the user's account.

3.3. Content and Intellectual Property

Users are responsible for the content they upload to the Platform and must ensure that it does not infringe third-party rights. All content on the Platform is owned by Blanched or its licensors.

4. Conditions for Candidates

Users looking for jobs on the Platform are considered Candidates.

4.1. Storage and Processing of Resume Information

The Platform securely stores all information contained in Candidates' resumes in our database. Worker resumes are extracted and submitted to our advanced technology system, which processes and converts the information into structured formats. The stored data includes full name, email, phone number, address, photo, educational and professional history, relevant experience, skills, certifications, and more. By using the Platform, the Candidate expressly consents to the use of this data to optimize the recruitment process.

4.2. Expression of Interest

Candidates can express interest in the Restaurants listed on the Platform, helping to speed up the recruitment process.

4.3. Protection of Personal Data

Candidates' personal data is stored and processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

5. Conditions for Restaurants

Users looking to hire through the Platform are considered Restaurants.

5.1. Hiring Requests

Restaurants must complete a hiring request form with detailed information about the desired profile. Blanched uses this data to recommend the most suitable Candidates.

5.2. Communication with Candidates

Restaurants can contact recommended Candidates through the Platform, ensuring that all communications are truthful, accurate, and comply with applicable laws.

5.3. Protection of Personal Data

Restaurant data will be processed in accordance with the Privacy Policy. Restaurants agree not to disclose Candidates' personal information without consent.

5.4. Subscription Packages for Restaurants

Blanched offers subscription packages that allow restaurants to access a defined number of hiring requests within a 12-month period.

Each hiring request allows the restaurant to:

Fill out a form with the characteristics of the worker they are looking for, including position, experience, and skills.

Receive automatic recommendations of candidates that best match the specified criteria.

The hiring requests included in the package can be used throughout the subscription period. Once the available requests are exhausted, the restaurant may purchase a new package or additional requests if applicable.

5.5. Set-Up Fee

A one-time set-up fee may be applied upon initial registration on the platform. This fee covers administrative costs and the initial account setup for the restaurant. The fee amount will be communicated at the time of registration.

5.6. Payments and Refunds

Subscription and set-up fees, where applicable, must be paid in advance. Access to the service is activated once payment is confirmed. No refunds, full or partial, will be issued, regardless of service usage.

6. Responsibilities and Warranties

Blanched does not guarantee that a candidate will be hired or that a restaurant will find a suitable candidate.

Blanched does not conduct criminal background checks. This responsibility lies with the restaurants.

Blanched is not liable for any issues related to recruitment or hiring, including fraud or malpractice.

7. GDPR Compliance

Blanched fully complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring the security and privacy of users’ data. Users have the following rights:

Access and data correction: Users can request access to and correction of their personal data at any time.

Data deletion: Users may request the deletion of their account and personal data via customer support.

Data sharing: No personal data will be shared with third parties without explicit consent.

8. Misuse of the Platform

Users who engage in discrimination, fraud, spamming, or abusive behavior will be suspended or banned.

Blanched may remove accounts without prior notice in cases of serious violations.

9. Changes to the Terms and Conditions

Blanched reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time, without prior notice. Users should review the Terms and Conditions periodically to stay informed of any changes.

10. Termination

Blanched reserves the right to terminate a user's access to the Platform at any time, without prior notice, if the user violates these Terms and Conditions or applicable laws and regulations.

11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions are governed and interpreted in accordance with Portuguese and European law. Any dispute arising from the use of the platform will be resolved by the competent courts in Portugal. The parties agree to waive any other jurisdiction they may be entitled to and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of Portuguese courts.

These are the most relevant provisions of the Terms and Conditions of Use of the Blanched platform.

If you have any questions or concerns about these terms and conditions, please contact our customer support team. It is important that users read these terms carefully before using the Platform to understand their rights and obligations.

Terms and Conditions reviewed and updated on March 11, 2025.