Kate Bleasdale says she is “surprised and disappointed” at the board of HCL’s decision to suspend her  as executive vice chairman as the healthcare recruiter carries out an investigation into “serious accounting irregularities”.

Bleasdale says she looks forward to being reinstated.

Her comments follow a statement by the healthcare staffing specialist’s board that it has been made aware of “serious accounting irregularities” and that it will be carrying out an immediate investigation.

Chief financial officer Diane Jarvis has also been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

A spokesperson for Bleasdale said: “I am surprised and disappointed by the board’s decision. I have always acted in the very best interests of the business and its shareholders and will cooperate fully with any investigation and look forward to being reinstated in the very near future.”