The French Prime Minister, Dominique de Villepin, has said he is willing to consider limited changes to a controversial new law that makes it easier for employers to dismiss young workers.
Mr de Villepin refused to withdraw the bill, but said he was prepared to shorten a proposed two-year trial period within which businesses can sack workers under 26 without giving a reason.
However, the country's trade unions and student groups say they will continue their protest action until the government is forced to back down and withdraw the legislation altogether.
