Jeanette McGarry earned £123,000-a-year as director of housing environmental and neighbourhood services (HENS) at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Shortly after assuming her position in June 2009, however, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She asked to work part-time while she completed her treatment, but the council refused and instead put her on "gardening leave".
Then, to compound matters, on the day she returned home following surgery she received a dismissal letter. The council's chief executive, John van de Laarschot, also issued a statement questioning her performance and conduct as HENS director.
She claimed that this statement was libellous and pursued a claim for libel and unfair dismissal. Sexism was also mentioned.
Last month it was claimed that Ms McGarry had reached a settlement with the Council for an 'undisclosed amount' believed to be in the region of £800,000.
McGarry is no stranger to controversy. Before joining Stoke City Council, she worked as chief executive of East Staffordshire Borough Council. She left that position in acrimonious circumstances too, leaving "by mutual consent" in December 2008 after being suspended for alleged misconduct. Reportedly, East Staffordshire paid her £121,333 when she left -- equivalent to 10 months' basic pay for loss of office -- and a further three months' wages in lieu of notice.
Nice work if you can get it...
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