NEW YORK -- In a Tuesday night email, the US White House's Office of Personnel Management told federal workers that they return to the office full time, or resign and get paid for the next eight months, according to The Wall Street Journal.

"They have until Feb 6 to decide how to proceed?— if they step down, they will continue to receive all pay and benefits and will be exempt from in-person work requirements until Sept 30," said the newspaper about the development.

"But the Trump administration made clear that even those government employees who stay on could still eventually lose their jobs as the president works to downsize the federal government," it noted.

"At this time, we cannot give you full assurance regarding the certainty of your position or agency but should your position be eliminated you will be treated with dignity and will be afforded the protections in place for such positions," the email said.

The White House said it is considering relocating some government offices and downsizing agencies through restructuring, furloughs and reclassifying employees so they have fewer job protections.