According to news agency Bloomberg the suspensions follow the arrest of London regional managing director Alastair Baird last October on suspicion of bribery following an investigation into the awarding of contracts to suppliers.

He was released on bail until April, along with a 47-year-old woman.

A spokesman for Barratt said: “While the Metropolitan Police and internal investigations are ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment.”

The home builder “acted decisively,” launching its own investigation and referring the matter to the police, Chief Executive Officer David Thomas said in an Oct. 19 statement following Baird’s arrest.