Commenting on the move, Labour and Social Economy Minister, Yolanda Díaz, said: “Climate change has intruded into people’s daily lives. It’s a reality. We are set to prohibit professional activities when the state meteorological agency indicates a red or orange alert.”

Heat alerts are issued when the temperature soars into the high 30s in Celsius or crosses 40C, although the specific threshold varies by region.

Ms Díaz added: “Workers have succumbed to heat strokes. We are now initiating legislative amendments to prevent people from being compelled to work under such conditions.”

An incident last summer brought the issue into sharp focus. A 60-year-old street sweeper in Madrid, José Antonio González, collapsed on the job and subsequently died on a day when the capital matched its record temperature of 40.7C.

The fact that Mr González had swapped shifts with a colleague to work during the day’s peak heat, fearing his short-term contract might not be renewed, caught public attention. His son, Miguel González, said his father felt forced into the work due to the family’s financial circumstances.

He said: “It’s unconscionable to have people working on the streets in over 40 degrees. He was conscious this could occur and had even been researching the symptoms of heatstroke.”

While exact details about which professions will fall under these measures are yet to be disclosed, Agriculture Minister Luis Planas indicated that the rules would be enforced universally. He identified farming and construction as two sectors that would need to adjust working hours during heatwaves.

Government insiders also mentioned that street cleaners would receive protection under these measures. However, emergency workers and police will not be exempt from their duties.