UPDATED 6.14pm: The Social Development Ministry says it'll consider its position once it knows more details about the charge laid against it over the shooting at the Ashburton Work and Income office.

WorkSafe NZ has charged the Ministry with failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its employees at work.

Two staff were killed in the shooting in September and another was injured.

The charged was laid in the Wellington District Court today.

Chief executive Brendon Boyle says he's been advised of the charge.