Chaos during French strikes

Travellers and commuters in France have been hit by severe delays and disruptions as the country faces national strikes.

Transport staff have joined in with the strike action as part of protests against new youth employment legislation, leading to chaos within the rail networks and underground services.

There has been a major reduction in the number of high speed and long distance trains running, while only half of all suburban lines are operating and bus and air travel are also affected.

Paris underground services are subject to delays and cancellations, with additional riot police sent to the capital in anticipation of trouble at today's marches, while airport authorities have advised travellers to ring for flight confirmations.

The protestors are angry over government proposals to deal with the problem of youth unemployment but the prime minister is so far refusing to give in to the demands, leading to more uncertainty for visitors and locals.