Spain introduces paid weather leave following fatal floods
In the face of increasingly frequent extreme weather events, the Spanish government has approved the introduction of a four-day paid "weather leave."
The new regulations introduced by the Spanish government aim to assist employees who cannot reach work due to adverse weather conditions.
"Weather leave" in Spain
According to data from the Spanish Ministry of Labour, this leave can be extended until extreme weather no longer poses a threat, as reported by Business Insider. The ministry explained that these measures can be applied if any competent authority issues an orange or red alert concerning adverse weather conditions.
The new regulations will be published in the Official Journal on November 29, and their approval by parliament is planned within the next month. The decision to introduce "weather leave" was made a month after the tragic floods that affected the southern and eastern regions of Spain, claiming the lives of over 220 people, mainly in the province of Valencia.
Floods in Spain
The great flood that hit Spain particularly affected Valencia, among other areas. In this region, over 220 people lost their lives. In mid-November, rainfall exceeding 94 millimetres paralyzed Malaga, turning streets into rivers at the time. Evacuation of local residents was even necessary.
The introduction of weather leave aims to protect workers from the effects of such extreme phenomena.
