Spain: Legal Adjustment of Working Hours During Extreme Heat

Madrid – 25.06.2026: In Spain, a law has been enacted that mandates adjustments to working hours during extreme temperatures to protect employees’ health. This law comes into effect when the Spanish weather agency AEMET issues an orange or red warning level. In such cases, employers are required to adjust their employees’ working hours, potentially reschedule shifts, or introduce additional breaks. If these measures are insufficient, outdoor seating areas of bars and restaurants must be closed. Violations can result in heavy fines, which in extreme cases may exceed 50,000 euros.

This regulation was introduced to protect employees from the health risks of extreme heatwaves. Last year, Spain experienced the hottest summer since records began in 1961, with average temperatures of 24.2 degrees Celsius. August was particularly marked by a 16-day heatwave, reaching temperatures up to 45 degrees and causing numerous health issues.

The adjustment of working hours during extreme heat is part of a broader approach to address climate change and its impacts on the workplace. Besides adjusting working hours, other measures include providing cooling in work areas and promoting remote work to reduce the strain caused by high temperatures.

Despite these legal requirements, there are reports of insufficient inspections and non-compliance with the regulations, especially in tourist areas. Some employers implement the new rules inadequately, which can lead to health risks for employees. Therefore, enhanced monitoring and enforcement of the laws are demanded to ensure worker safety and health.

The Spanish government emphasizes the importance of these measures and announces plans to continuously monitor the implementation of the laws and adjust them if necessary. The goal is to create a healthy work environment and minimize the negative impacts of climate change on the workplace.

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

Overall, Spanish legislation demonstrates a proactive approach to dealing with the effects of climate change on the workplace. Through legal adjustments of working hours during extreme heat, an important step is taken to protect employees’ health and address the challenges of climate change.

The enforcement of these laws will be crucial to ensure that employees in Spain can work under safe and healthy conditions, especially during the hot summer months. It remains to be seen how effective the controls and enforcement of the new regulations will be.