Spain’s Left-wing government has introduced paid climate leave after flash flooding in Valencia last month claimed at least 222 lives and caused widespread devastation.

The new scheme will allow workers to take four days off work per year on full pay in the event of extreme weather-related events.

Yolanda Díaz, Spain’s deputy prime minister and labour minister, said the aim of the reform was to provide “clarity” for businesses and workers on what to do in climate-related events.

“No worker will have to run any risk,” Ms Díaz said.