Nine council workers are suspended

Nine council workers have been suspended from their jobs at Telford & Wrekin Council after being accused of a variety of serious offences.

Allegations against them include inappropriate behaviour, driving illegally and stealing property.

Staff have also been suspended for allegedly failing to disclose information at the point of recruitment, and failing to comply with council policy.

The nine employees were suspended during the past three years, so that personnel officers could investigate allegations potentially constituting gross misconduct.

The workers received salary payments during their suspensions, leaving council tax payers with a bill of £29,600.

None of the employees identified were on casual employment contracts.

The information was released today following the submission of a Freedom of Information inquiry by the Shropshire Star.

A spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council said: "One case is currently open. Three individuals resigned during the investigation and the remainder resulted in disciplinary action.

"As employer, the council suspended the individuals concerned. National law requires contracts of employment to be honoured during investigations and therefore salary costs were not reclaimed."

The employees, who have not been identified, were disciplined under a code of conduct introduced by the council to encourage all employees to achieve and maintain high standards of conduct and behaviour at work.

The spokesman added that the nine employees were disciplined under those rules, to ensure they got a fair hearing.