PICTURES: France is being brought to a stand still by mass protests against labour reforms

Much of France has been brought to a standstill this week by protests, some violent, against President Francois Hollande's new labour reforms, which make it easier for employers to hire and fire staff.

Many French people see the reforms as a violation of fundamental worker's rights and the reforms were controversially forced through parliament without a vote.

French people have taken to the streets to protest and blockaded key public services and infrastructure. Their actions have brought them into conflict with police, often provoking violent clashes.

See pictures of the chaos below: