A dispute over a controversial fire and rehire tactic is at the centre of the suspension of a Worcestershire CC director, it is understood.
Director of economy and infrastructure John Hobbs, who has been in the role for almost two decades, has been suspended on full pay for almost three months. He was paid a salary of £147,997 in 2024-25, with total remuneration coming to £192,849.
It is believed Hobbs, who was one of the employees impacted by a controversial decision to fire and rehire up to 143 workers on shorter contracts last year, had questioned the legality of the policy.
The leader of the council's Labour group, Richard Udall, said he was ‘incredibly concerned' after reading about the suspension in The MJ.
He said: ‘A highly paid director of economy and infrastructure should not be missing from his desk for so long. We need to know if and when he will be returning to work. Paying a senior council officer not to work for months is not in the public interest.
‘I'm concerned, now the issue is out in the open, it has the potential to bring considerable reputational harm to the council. We need to be open and transparent about the issue. We can no longer hide behind confidentiality.
‘This is no way to treat a dedicated and loyal officer who has given so much of his working life to public service. We are wasting public money by keeping him away from work. It needs a resolution so we can end the uncertainty.'
Cllr Udall called on Reform UK leader Joanne Monk to ‘stop dithering', adding: ‘She needs to show some leadership and direct the chief executive [Paul Robinson] to resolve the problem without further delay.'
Cllr Monk has not responded to a request for comment.
