A HIGHWAYS chief is one of three staff members who have left the county council after its controversial fire and rehire plan was executed.

Jon Fraser, who was the highways lead for Worcestershire County Council, is amongst those who didn't take up its rehire offer after approximately 140 staff were fired last week with the option to be rehired on Monday (October 15).

Mr Fraser, who began working for the organisation in 1986, announced the news in a post on his LinkedIn page.

He wrote: "Last Friday, I took the decision to accept Worcestershire County Council's dismissal notice and decline the offer of a new contract on reduced hours."

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: "We can confirm that around 140 employees were offered new contracts of employment which were effective on October 12 with Monday (October 14) being their first working day.

"The only change to the contract was a reduction of two hours from 37 to 35 hours per week.

"Whilst the majority of staff have returned to work today (October 14) we are aware of three individuals who have informed us that they are not accepting the new contract and so have left Worcestershire County Councils’ employment.

"We are thankful to the staff who did return to work today and for the few who chose not to accept the new contract, we would like to thank them for the work they have done and the contributions made to Worcestershire residents and we wish them the best for the future."

County councillor, Alan Amos, said: "Jon Fraser no longer works for Worcestershire County Council and they have not named a successor.

"It was Jon Fraser who knew what was going on with Powick Bridge and I’m very concerned about the loss of Jon who is an excellent and superb officer.

"I’m extremely disappointed he’s gone - I’m extremely concerned."

The Conservative-led county council announced its fire and rehire plans in May, and push on with plans despite push back from Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors.

County councillor Richard Udall added: "I think that the situation is indicative of how bad this process has been – fire and rehire is a vindictive process that will soon be illegal in this country."