Even in 2024, companies can resort to layoffs in case of temperatures that are too high, to protect the health and safety of workers. The INPS has provided instructions for accessing the special layoffs for agricultural workers (CISOA) and ordinary layoffs (CIGO) for specific categories. Companies can request the CIGO or CISOA from the INPS to suspend the activity between July 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024, if temperatures exceed 35 degrees centigrade
.
What is layoffs for excessive heat
The redundancy fund for excessive heat is a social cushion granted on a temporary basis for suspensions or reductions in work activity related to exceptional climatic situations. The measure has been strengthened and made more flexible with the climate emergency workers decree, which provided extra funds to meet the increased demands during the summer. The agriculture decree converted into law confirmed this measure also for 2024. The INPS instructions for excessive heat are detailed in message no. 2735 dated July 26
, 2024.
What does the law say about heat at work in 2024
The law on heat at work in 2024 is defined by the agriculture decree converted into law. This text introduces transitional rules on social safety nets for suspensions or reductions in work related to exceptional weather situations. The law has allocated funds to guarantee wage integration treatment to agricultural employees and for the application of CIGO limits of total duration for events that are objectively not
avoidable.
Who can apply for CISOA for excessive heat
Companies whose workers face temperatures above 35 degrees can request layoffs for excessive heat from the INPS. The evaluation of the cause of “weather events” must consider not only the temperatures recorded by the weather reports, but also those perceived, which are higher than
the real ones.
Who is entitled to the hot layoff fund
Layoffs are due to permanent workers in specific sectors. The sectors involved include:
- agricultural or outdoor work that requires protective clothing
- Drafting of the road surface
- renovation of building facades and roofs
It also applies to companies where all work phases take place in places not protected from the sun or involve the use of materials or processes that cannot withstand strong heat. The CIGO for excessive heat also applies to employers in the construction, stone and excavation sectors for suspensions or reductions in work activity caused by objectively unavoidable events (EONE
).
How does layoffs work for excessive heat
The layoff fund with reason for climate events works like the ordinary wage supplement governed by Legislative Decree No. 148 of 14 September 2015, amended by Article 2 bis of the Agriculture Decree converted into law. Employers can access layoffs without periods falling within the maximum duration of treatments set at 52 weeks in the mobile two-year period
.
How to apply for layoffs for heat
How to apply for hot CIGO
Ordinary layoffs with the reason for “weather events” can be requested through the INPS web portal through “services for companies and consultants” > “CIG and solidarity funds” > “ordinary CIG”. You must authenticate using SPID, CIE, or CNS. The disbursement takes place through adjustment on UNIEMENS or direct payment
to the worker.
How to apply for a hot CISOA
CISOA applications for excessive heat must be submitted in accordance with Legislative Decree 14 September 2015, n. 148, indicating the reason for “CISOA reduction in atmospheric events”. Applications must be submitted within 15 days of the start of the reduction event. CISOA treatments are paid for by direct payment by the INPS
.
Regulatory and practice references
- Decree-law of 15 May 2024, n. 63 with the conversion law of 12 July 2024, n. 101
- Legislative Decree 14 September 2015, n. 148
- Message No. 2729 dated July 20, 2023
- Circular no. 73 of August 3, 2023
- Message No. 2735 dated July 26, 2024
