Spain: Legislative adjustment of working hours during extreme heat

Madrid – 25 June 2026: Spain has passed a law providing for adjustments to working hours during extreme temperatures in order to protect workers’ health. This law takes effect when the Spanish meteorological agency AEMET issues an orange or red warning level. In such cases, employers are required to adjust their employees’ working hours, reschedule shifts if necessary, or introduce additional breaks. If these measures prove insufficient, outdoor areas of bars and restaurants must be closed. Violations are subject to substantial fines, which in extremely critical cases may exceed €50,000.

This rule was introduced to protect workers from health risks during extreme heatwaves. Last year, Spain experienced its hottest summer since meteorological records began in 1961, with an average temperature of 24.2 degrees Celsius. August in particular was marked by a 16-day heatwave, during which temperatures reached up to 45 degrees and caused numerous health problems.

Adjusting working hours during extreme heat is part of a comprehensive approach to combating climate change and its impact on the working environment. In addition to adjustments to working hours, other measures are also planned, such as providing cooling in workplaces and encouraging remote work in order to reduce the burden of high temperatures.

Despite these legal requirements, reports have emerged of insufficient monitoring and non-compliance with the rules, particularly in tourist regions. Some employers are not adequately implementing the new regulations, which may lead to health risks for workers. Increased oversight and enforcement of the laws are therefore being called for to guarantee workers’ safety and health.

The Spanish government emphasizes the importance of these measures and states that it will continuously monitor the implementation of the laws, with the possibility of making adjustments if necessary. The aim is to create a healthy working environment and minimize the negative effects of climate change on the labor sector.

These developments in Spain could serve as a model for other European countries facing similar challenges due to climate change. Adjusting working hours according to extreme weather conditions could be an effective step to protect workers’ health while maintaining productivity.

Overall, Spain’s legislation demonstrates a proactive approach to the impact of climate change on the labor sector. Through legislative changes to working hours during extreme heat, an important step has been taken to protect workers’ health and respond to the challenges of climate change.

The implementation of these laws will be crucial to ensuring the safety and health of workers in Spain, especially during the hot summer months. It remains to be seen how effective the monitoring and enforcement of the new regulations will be.