France set for nationwide strike

France is bracing itself for a second nationwide strike in two months by protesters urging the government to do more to protect jobs and wages.

Public and private sector workers are expected to join the marches and services in schools, hospitals and transport are likely to be disrupted.

President Nicolas Sarkozy says he understands the worries of the people.

But he insists there is nothing more his government can do to help those struggling in the financial crisis.

Beleaguered industries

Three-quarters of French people support the strike, claiming the 2.4bn euros ($3.2bn; £2.3bn) offered by the government earlier this year is not enough to protect jobs and wages.

Unemployment is likely to shoot up to 10% in the next 12 months with a further 350,000 lay offs expected by the end of this year.

Unions are calling on the president to scrap his plans to cut public-sector jobs and to reverse tax cuts.

Private-sector workers from the beleaguered car industry, oil and retail sectors will also be on the streets - many are angry that big companies like the oil giant Total is making staff redundant while simultaneously announcing record profits.

In January more than one million people took part in demonstrations - this time, the protest may be even bigger with 200 cities and towns across France calling for a day of action.