MORE than 300 civilian staff at the Metropolitan Police began a two-week strike over a flexible working row today.

The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) said its members had been threatened with having their pay docked if they did not agree to a new attendance policy.

The staff refused to return to the office for additional days which they said were unnecessary.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Our hard-working members in the Met are angry as they believe they have been continually disrespected and ignored by their bosses.

“If their pay will be docked when they’re not on strike, they feel they might as well lose pay by walking out.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “We are disappointed the PCS feels such action is necessary and we remain committed to continuing to engage with the trade unions to resolve the dispute.

“Given the likely small numbers involved, we are confident that this won’t affect policing in London.”