AN OFFER of early retirement has been accepted by the suspended chief executive of North Lincolnshire Homes (NLH).

The terms of her retirement from her £100,000 a year post including a possible golden handshake have not been made public.

Terry Lightfoot, the chairman of the not-for-profit trust said Mrs Duncan's retirement took effect immediately.

The deal comes more than eight months after the former chief executive was suspended on full pay amid allegations she had bullied members of the 300-strong staff.

Since June 29 last year independent consultants have been investigating the allegations but Mrs Duncan has never given evidence on the grounds of ill-health.

The news comes a week after Unison, the main trade union for the NLH workers, expressed concern that moves might be in place to allow Mrs Duncan to walk away with a financial settlement without giving evidence.

The union's regional officer Linda Muir also revealed seven current and past employees were still awaiting the results of their allegations.

In a statement Mr Lightfoot said: "I can confirm Jane Duncan has taken early retirement from her post as chief executive of North Lincolnshire Homes with immediate effect.

"The board will now begin the process of seeking to appoint to the post of chief executive.

"I believe that North Lincolnshire Homes has a positive future ahead with a committed workforce who will continue to deliver improved services for tenants and leaseholders.

"Recent achievements such as our very first tenant conference and the Audit Commission's endorsement we have promising prospects for improvement, provide us with a positive platform on which to grow and succeed.

"No further comment will be made regarding this matter."

Mrs Duncan was not available for comment.

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