Public officers on prolonged Christmas and New Year's leave, and others who are absent from work without official approval are being called on to return to work.

Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Ishmael Avui has warned those government workers to return to work of face consequences.

He says there are some public officers on extended Christmas and New Year's leave without approval from their respective Permanent Secretary.

Mr Avui calls on all government workers who have not returned to their respective work places to immediately return because such actions amount to insubordination under section 44 of the public service regulations.

He says his ministry will work with all ministries to ensure public officers who do not comply are dealt with accordingly.