Hundreds of unemployed Tunisians clashed with police Friday in the industrial city of Gabes after trying to break into a government building, amid simmering social unrest across the country.

Hundreds of unemployed Tunisians clashed with police Friday in the industrial city of Gabes after trying to break into a government building, amid simmering social unrest across the country.

The protesters hurled rocks at the police who responded by firing tear gas and chasing them through the streets surrounding the regional governor's headquarters.

The demonstrators, for the most part unemployed youths, were demanding jobs with a company affiliated to the Tunisian Chemical Group, following rumors it had launched a recruitment campaign.

"The rumors circulating about job contracts being awarded are baseless," the company's director Sadok Bouhlila told AFP.

Police reinforcements were deployed at shopping centers and banks around the city to prevent any looting attempts.