Civil servants have been warned that bringing cake into work for birthdays and celebrations could be a “public health hazard”.

A post on the official Civil Service blog asks colleagues to be “mindful” of the sweet treats they bring into the workplace and the impact it has on “those who have difficulty resisting”.

Robert Buckland QC, the Tory MP and Solicitor General, responded by calling for cake to be enjoyed in "moderation" and vowed to continue baking for his staff.