Marseilles Fos

Strikes across France today are expected to cause widespread disruption, as workers and students protest against the government's plans to raise the retirement age to 62.

Up to half of flights in and out of the country are expected to be cancelled, in addition to two out of three TGV high-speed trains.

French ports, which were affected last week as workers staged strikes against other reforms, are likely to be badly hit.

There are also warnings that strikes at oil refineries could lead to petrol shortages in the country.

Public transport and energy sector workers are set to vote on whether to begin open-ended strikes in order to force a rethink by the government.