Laura Sharman 22 September 2016

FOI: 1,172 council staff suspended on full pay

More than 1,000 council staff have been suspended from work in the last three years at a cost of £7.3m, a new investigation has revealed.

A freedom of information request, by ITV programme Suspended: Britain's Pay Scandal? found more than 5,000 public sector staff have been suspended on full pay between between 2013-14 and 2015-16.

This includes 1,172 council staff, in addition to police and NHS workers.

The investigation found the suspensions included staff being drunk at work, alleged drug use, inappropriate relationship and sleeping on duty.

The programme will air tonight ITV, 7.30pm.

#Council staff

Analysis

Digital Transformation, AI and Local Government: The Case for Workforce Upskilling

The new LocalGov and Multiverse report explores how workforce upskilling is driving smarter, more efficient, and inclusive local government transformation.

Opinion

Controlling Talent Retention: The levers every manager can pull

In the first instalment of People & Practice, PPMA President Sandra Farquharson sets out five practical levers every manager can pull to help recruitment.

Most Popular News

Ex-neo-Nazi quits council race, becomes Badenoch adviser

Devo minister resigns

Future Sheffield: How one city council is upskilling its workforce

Government publishes social cohesion action plan

Digital Transformation, AI and Local Government: The Case for Workforce Upskilling

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Acrospire Improves Safety Across Greenwich Subways with LED Lighting Upgrade

Cornwall’s Coastal Heritage Lighting Upgraded with Acrospire Lanterns

Acrospire Delivers Durable Handrail Lighting Upgrade for Historical Landmark Jacob’s Ladder

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Company Anouncements

Acrospire promotes LED retrofit for structurally viable lighting assets

Vent-Axia Welcomes the Future Homes Standard as Competency Takes Centre Stage

Apricorn Becomes First and Only Hardware-Encrypted USB Storage Device Manufacturer to Achieve AS9100 Certification

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Programme Director - North London Heat and Power Project

£165,000 + bonus

We are seeking an exceptional Programme Director to lead the final delivery, commissioning and transition into operation of this landmark project. London (Greater)

Recuriter: North London Waste Authority

Executive Director of Prosperity and Place

£153,685 - £164,743

You will shape and deliver bold priorities that enhance quality of life, strengthen infrastructure, support inclusive economic growth Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire

Recuriter: East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Head of safeguarding and quality assurance - Adults

£87,117 to £93,978 per annum

As Head of Service, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of adults who access support from our services. Knowsley (Metropolitan borough), Hybryd Working

Recuriter: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council