The Labour Department is investigating claims by staff about missing pension, payroll and social insurance deductions at a Paget nursing home.

One staff member at PleasantVille on Point Finger Road claimed that three employees were missing deductions taken out for two years.

Last night, lawyer Mark Pettingill, who acts for former owner Stuart Crockwell, admitted there were a lot of back fees due after Mr. Crockwell's mother died but the money will be paid.

Mr. Crockwell was last month suspended from his post as Det. Chief Inspector in charge of the Police's serious crimes unit pending an investigation into a construction company he ran.

Mr. Pettingill said: "There is nothing irregular in regard to Stuart Crockwell's involvement in that home. It was a private nursing home run by his mother who regrettably died late last year.

"He is clearing up some of the issues his mother left from the business as people leave when they die. "The money will go where it needs to go."

The Royal Gazette understands the home, formally called Palmetto Palms, was taken over by Mr. Crockwell's brother on Monday.

One staff member said three staff were missing deductions taken out for two years. "Nobody paid anyone."

The staff say they are also owed some of their salaries from February and redundancy money.

"Some of us have been here ten or 15 years."

Staff said Mr. Crockwell had been in charge after his mother moved to Florida but Mr. Pettingill denied Mr. Crockwell had been running it for two years.

A Government labour relations office spokesman said a meeting will be set up with staff on Monday while Mr. Crockwell will also get a chance to put his side. The spokesman said in such situations if the employees are right then a re-payment plan is worked out to recoup the missing money.

Det. Chief Insp. Crockwell was suspended on two-thirds pay from his post as head of the serious crimes unit last month following the launch of a investigation into a construction company in which he is involved.

The investigation is in connection with the alleged disappearance of money from Bascro Construction, which the officer established with Andrew Bascome.

Mr. Pettingill said that matter was a civil one and if every squabble over business payments was viewed as a criminal offence the jails would be full several times over.