Spain Introduces Paid Climate Leave for Workers During Severe Weather Alerts
The new policy allows workers to take up to four days off, paid by the state, in response to official weather warnings to ensure safety during climate emergencies.
- The Spanish government has approved a 'climate leave' policy granting workers up to four paid days off during severe weather alerts issued by local, regional, or national authorities.
- The measure was introduced following deadly floods in southeastern Spain in October 2024, which resulted in 230 fatalities and raised concerns about workplace safety during extreme weather events.
- Employers previously faced criticism for requiring employees to work despite red weather warnings, while authorities were blamed for delays in issuing timely alerts to the public.
- If weather disruptions persist beyond four days, companies can transition to existing partial unemployment schemes designed for force majeure situations.
- The policy is part of a broader €2.3 billion aid package aimed at addressing climate-related risks, with officials warning that the economic impact of such events could double by 2050.
Le Nouvel Obs 
Sud Ouest 