TORY ministers were accused of “the height of cowardice” today following anonymous briefings saying Civil Service wages could be docked if staff do not get back to their offices.

Britain’s biggest Civil Service union also warned of a “swift industrial response – including strike action” if attempts were made to dock wages of staff still working from home.

The row broke after an unnamed Cabinet minister suggested that officials should have their pay docked if they refuse to return to the office after working from home during the pandemic.