US shutdown: White House says layoffs to begin 'imminently'

As a bitter stand-off between Republicans and Democrats plays out, there is little sign either side is willing to budge.

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Lawmakers are trading blame over the shutdown - the first for almost seven years - under which thousands of workers have been put on unpaid leave.

US President Donald Trump has called on Republican allies to use it as an "opportunity" to make more lasting cuts.

The shutdown began on Wednesday, after Republicans and Democrats in Congress failed to agree a new spending plan. There is little sign of either side compromising and the next vote to try and end the situation will not be held until Friday.

The Senate is currently adjourned, raising fears that the situation could drag on and threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs, as well as risk costing the US economy billions in lost output.