Students clashed with police on the streets of Paris today as protests against the government's proposed labour reforms took place across France.

Students were rallying against controversial reforms to working hours and staff protections, which President Francois Hollande insists are crucial to get the country's failing economy back on track.

The government say the reforms, which will make it easier for struggling companies to fire staff, will help boost the economy before the presidential election by encouraging firms to hire more people.

Students clashed with riot police on the streets of Paris against the government's proposed labour reforms

Students have opposed the government's proposed labour reforms, which they say strip workers of protections

Police around the Gare de Lyon were hit with yellow paint as they attempted to hide behind their riot shields

More than 250 demonstrations took place in the country and there were running battles in the capital

At least 12 people were arrested by midday as riot police clashed with protesters in the streets of Paris

But students have opposed the changes, which they say strip workers of protections.

The proposal to extend France's 35-hour working week has also been opposed by both students and unions.

More than 250 demonstrations took place in the country and there were running battles in the capital, with at least 12 people arrested by midday.

There were reports of fighting in cities including Rennes in Brittany but the worst trouble took place at Paris's Gare de Lyon, where tear gas and baton charges were used.

'Bottles and rocks were thrown at officers, and they responded in kind,' said Jean Martin, a 34-year-old office worker who was at the scene.

'There are a lot of very angry people out on the street, and it looks as though the situation is going to get even worse.'

Students were rallying against the reforms that President Francois Hollande insists are crucial to get the country's failing economy back on track

The laws have been billed as a final attempt to help the economy before the presidential election next year

Students and unions have opposed the controverisal reforms, which they say strip workers of protections

Police around the Gare de Lyon were also bombarded with yellow paint as they attempted to hide behind their riot shields.

The protests coincided with strikes by transport workers and air traffic controllers, which caused further chaos.

Dockworkers also blocked roads around the northern towns of Rouen and Le Havre, as well as the Pont de Normandie.

Cars were burned in Paris and dozens were arrested in earlier protests against the reforms.

Tear gas and baton charges were used as police attempted to control the large crowds in the French capital

There were reports of fighting in cities including Rennes in Brittany but the worst trouble took place in Paris

Out in large numbers: Demonstrators march during a rally to protest the new labour law in Paris

A video of a police officer punching a 15-year-old boy in Paris during an early student march went viral and fuelled an enormous amount of anger.

A recent poll found that 58 per cent of the French public oppose the measures, which are meant to improve the rights of employers.

The aim is to improve disastrous employment figures, which have seen the jobless rate spiral, especially among the young.

Parliament is set to vote on the reforms in late April or early May.

A witness said French police responded 'in kind' when bottles and rocks were thrown at them by protesters

A recent poll found that 58 per cent of the French public oppose the measures, which are meant to improve the rights of employers