France labour dispute: Dozens arrested in Paris ahead of protest

Union officials say 60,000 people are taking part in the Paris march, but police say the number is much lower

At least 85 people were arrested in Paris as thousands took part in a protest against France's labour reforms, police said.

Many were carrying objects that could be used as projectiles, according to police, who searched protesters as they arrived at the Place de la Bastille. The march was initially banned but ministers reversed their decision after a public uproar.

Police have been deployed in large numbers to secure Paris protest

The last protest in Paris earlier this month ended in violence. Hundreds of masked protesters on 14 June threw paving stones and a children's hospital in central Paris was badly damaged.

 The protesters object to government reforms that make it easier for employers to hire and fire workers and relax the limit on working hours. But French President Francois Hollande said the government would not retreat from the reform.

"We will take this bill to the finish line," he told reporters as demonstrators were gathering in central Paris, where more than 2,000 police officers have been deployed. Union officials said 60,000 people were at the Paris march, but police said there were 20,000 demonstrators.

Protests were also being held in other French cities, with reports of damage in the north-western city of Rennes.

French labour reform bill - key points:

• The 35-hour week remains in place, but as an average. Firms can negotiate with local trade unions on more or fewer hours from week to week, up to a maximum of 46 hours
• Firms are given greater freedom to reduce pay
• The law eases conditions for laying off workers, which is strongly regulated in France. It is hoped companies will take on more people if they know they can shed jobs in case of a downturn
• Employers to get more leeway to negotiate holidays and special leave, such as maternity or for getting married. These are currently also heavily regulated