The new Royal Decree-Law establishes a 70% aid of the regulatory base for four months, without requiring a minimum contribution period. The measure is retroactive from July 23.
The Government has launched an extraordinary benefit for workers affected by the wave of fires that has devastated 81,000 hectares in Spain and impacts more than 180,000 people. The aid, fully managed by the SEPE, covers 70% of the regulatory base of the salary for a maximum of four months, without the need to prove a minimum prior contribution period.
The measure, included in a Royal Decree-Law of urgent measures, is retroactive from July 23, the date when some of the most virulent fires originated in provinces such as Ávila, Madrid, Toledo, or Castellón. The cost is borne by the State, so companies do not incur any expense.
One of the most relevant aspects is that the time consumed by this benefit will not deduct from accumulated contributions for future benefits, known as 'zero counter'. This protection will remain for future fires, as detailed by COPE's head of Economy, Marta Ruiz, on the program 'Herrera en COPE'.
To access the temporary suspension of the contract, the worker must prove to their company one of the situations caused by the fire: inability to attend work due to evacuation or access restrictions, the need to carry out urgent cleaning or reconstruction tasks at home, the obligation to carry out in-person administrative procedures, or caring for relatives directly affected.
The processing procedure is swift. The worker only needs to formally communicate the situation to their company, providing the necessary documentation. Subsequently, the company issues a temporary suspension certificate and sends it electronically to the SEPE within a maximum of 24 hours.
Journalist Alba Gutiérrez, in the 'Economy Classes' segment of the program 'La Linterna', explained that this is "an extraordinary benefit for extreme emergencies aimed at workers who have been affected." The objective, according to her words, is "to cover the temporary loss of income for those workers who during these days cannot go to work, because they are evacuated or confined, because they are carrying out procedures related to personal damages, or because they have to care for their relatives."
The regulation also establishes protection for the employee: any retaliation or disciplinary measure by the company in response to the exercise of this right will be considered null by the courts. The measure will remain in effect as long as the causes persist, even if the fires have already been extinguished.
Fire prevention experts have warned that current restrictions conflict with orderly forest management, adding complexity to the debate on how to prevent future disasters. Meanwhile, affected workers can already begin the procedures to apply for this benefit that does not require seniority or minimum contributions.
For any questions, interested parties can contact the SEPE or consult the information available on their electronic headquarters. The benefit is granted for a maximum of four months, although the period could be extended if conditions require it.
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