Demonstrators from across Italy filled the streets of Rome yesterday to protest against labour market reforms introduced by the government of prime minister Matteo Renzi.

Red flags bearing the logo of Italy's largest union, the CGIL, were waved as thousands of people called for more job creation. Renzi won backing in September for plans to change employee protection rules that critics say deter companies from hiring. There is also discontent about the austerity policies adopted to meet EU budget rules.