A nationwide strike planned tomorrow in France could cause fresh travel misery for thousands of people taking trips across the Channel.

As Escape went to press, negotiations between the Government and trade unions had failed to resolve the pension reforms dispute that caused a walkout last Tuesday, crippling travel in and to France.

If the issue continues to be unresolved, weeks of industrial action are being threatened by French union leaders to protest the Government's planned raising of the pensionable age for public sector workers.

Last Tuesday 80 per cent of international and domestic flights were cancelled, ports were closed and internal train and bus services greatly restricted as public sector workers stayed at home. However, the London-Paris Eurostar service remained unaffected.

Paris is still struggling to return its transport services to normal, with only around 30 per cent of Métro trains and 60 per cent of RATP (public) buses operating by the end of last week.

British Airways had to ground 90 per cent of its flights last Tuesday, but managed to use bigger planes and reroute people via Eurostar to minimise disruption.

A BA spokesman said: 'Regrettably these type of strikes are occurring across Europe more frequently and with more regularity than we'd like.'

With Calais ferry port closed for four hours, P&O ferries encouraged daytrippers to stay at home, but retain their tickets which would be valid for travel at any time over this summer. Those embarking on long holidays were asked to postpone if possible or to expect delays.

A spokesman said: 'The last thing we want is thousands turning up at Dover, clogging up the road network and us unable to move them.

'If the strike is going ahead we would ask customers to check our website or give us a ring.'

· British Airways (0845 773 3377), P&O Ferries (08705 202020).