SIX workers at a care home have been suspended while an investigation takes place into their behaviour during a holiday to Northumberland with residents.

The staff have been told to stay away from Stocks Hall Care Home, at Dentons Green, following a complaint, which is believed to centre on conduct at a country pub.

It is understood the employees – carers and support staff – had accompanied six vulnerable residents from the 54-bed home to the venue during the trip last month.

Care home bosses insist that the claims, at this stage, remain unproven allegations but confirmed the staff are suspended while an investigation is ongoing.

Sue Lace, managing director at the home said: “Our over-riding priority is to ensure the welfare of residents and if there is any concern that staff are not matching the high standards expected then we will investigate thoroughly.”

On its website, the company, which manages several homes in Lancashire, describes how it offers a “unique dynamic provision of nursing and care services for many specialised areas of need”.

It has three specialised units to cater for dementia patients and young people with physical or learning disabilities.

The statement adds: “Our staff are recruited for their values, attitudes and empathetic skills as well as their commitment to working with young adults.”

The Care Quality Commission, which regulates care homes, is aware of the allegations, however, the inquiry remains an in-house examination of the claims.

A spokesman for the CQC said the watchdog is “aware of an internal review being carried out by the provider of Stocks Hall care home and are in liaison with the home regarding this”.

A CQC statement added: “Where CQC receives information of concern about a service, this is looked at very closely, forms part of the picture we hold about a service, and can influence future regulatory action.

“This can include unannounced inspections.”

The allegations centre on behaviour and there is no suggestion that the residents were subject to mistreatment.

Stocks Hall added that similar holidays have successfully taken place over the past four years.