Unemployment figures in Spain hit record high

Riot police stand guard during a planned demonstration against the government in Madrid. Credit: REUTERS/Susana Vera

Spain's unemployment rate has hit a record 27.2 percent of the workforce in the first quarter of this year. It means 6.2 million people are currently out of work. It is the highest number since records began and another blow to the popularity of President Hollande.

Protesters have clashed with police on the streets of Madrid, during a planned demonstration in the Spanish capital.

Figures also released today, revealed that more than 10.5 per cent of people in France don't have a job - meaning three million people are out of work.

Europe Editor James Mates report: