French cabinet votes to force through labour reforms

The French cabinet has given the go-ahead for the president to force through highly controversial labour reforms, circumventing parliament.

An extraordinary cabinet meeting invoked the constitution's controversial Article 49.3, allowing the government to bypass parliament.

The bill would make it easier for employers to hire and fire workers.

Opponents say it will let employers bypass workers' rights on pay, overtime and breaks.

The proposed reforms have sparked waves of sometimes violent protests across France.

France's socialist government says removing some of the protection workers enjoy will encourage businesses to hire more people.

It says its aim is to combat chronic unemployment.

President Francois Hollande has said that he will only consider running for re-election next year if he can bring down the jobless rate, which is more than 10%.