Council director suspended following pay row

John Hobbs is one of Worcestershire County Council's top directors

A senior Worcestershire County Council director has been suspended on full pay - following a dispute over a controversial fire and rehire tactic.

Director of economy and infrastructure John Hobbs was placed on gardening leave in early May.

The BBC understands Mr Hobbs is still being paid his £147,997 salary since the suspension four months ago, but the authority has refused to comment.

The leader of the council's Labour group, Richard Udall, said: "The public have a right to know why a senior member of staff has not been at their desk for several months. "

Mr Hobbs was one of the employees impacted by a controversial decision to fire and rehire up to 143 workers last October.

At the time, bosses wanted to dismiss people from their 37-hours-a-week contracts, and rehire them on 35-hour contracts, amounting to a 5% pay cut.

The BBC understands that Mr Hobbs questioned the legality of the policy, resulting in a special appointments panel having to look at his case.

'Concern over reputational harm'

Udall said: "I have written to the chief executive, and he's replied saying he can't give me any information on what has happened, as it relates to a member of staff.

"I've said that unless I get more details, I will be tabling a question at the next full council meeting in September.

"The council cannot hide behind confidentiality - my concern is that it could cause serious reputational harm to the council.

"I have always valued John's judgement and advice - we need to know if he is leaving our employment or if he will be returning."

Mr Hobbs joined the council in 2006, and has had influence over some of the county's biggest regeneration projects, like The Hive in Worcester and the Worcester Six business park.

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: "To respect the privacy of employees, and to maintain integrity, the council does not comment on individual staffing matters."