Workers in Spain are entitled to stay at home and continue to be paid when extreme weather makes it dangerous to travel to work, under the paid “climate leave” introduced into Spanish employment law.
The measure was adopted after the devastating floods in Valencia in October 2024, when many employees faced a choice between risking their safety on the roads and losing a day’s pay.
When it applies
The leave applies when a worker cannot reach their workplace, or cannot travel safely, because of a weather emergency. The key trigger is an official warning: if the state, regional or local authorities issue restrictions or advise against travel because of floods, snow, storms, extreme heat or similar events, employees are covered.
There is no complex paperwork. An official alert from civil protection or the relevant authority is the basis for the leave.
How long it lasts
Employees can take up to four days of paid leave. If the danger continues beyond that, companies can use temporary measures such as suspending contracts or reducing working hours, with the protections provided under Spanish employment law.
Remote working first
Where a job can be done from home, employers are expected to offer remote working instead of leave, and must provide the means to do so. Employees cannot be penalised for following official advice not to travel.
What counts as extreme weather
The law is aimed at situations such as:
- floods and torrential rain;
- heavy snow;
- very strong winds;
- extreme heat;
- other emergencies declared by the authorities.
Spain’s state weather agency, AEMET, issues yellow, orange and red warnings. Workers should pay most attention to instructions from civil protection and emergency services, since those determine whether travel is restricted.
What to do
Employees should tell their employer as soon as possible, by whatever channel the company normally uses, and keep evidence such as a copy or screenshot of the official warning.
In the Balearics, where autumn storms regularly cause flash flooding, the rule gives workers a clear legal footing to stay safe during red alerts.
