Susan Wood off Close Up on doctor's orders

Susan Wood this week won an employment case against TVNZ. Picture / Nigel Marple

Susan Wood will not be appearing on TVNZ's Close-Up programme tonight following advice from her doctor.

Talks have been held this week between Wood and TVNZ in an attempt to settle a number of issues, including her $450,000 annual salary.

On Monday, Wood won an Employment Relations Authority case against TVNZ, who had tried to slash $100,000 from her salary without her consent.

ERA adjudicator Leon Robinson rejected TVNZ's fixed contract and ruled Wood was a permanent employee, saying TVNZ had no right to change her contract without her agreement.

Today lawyer Mai Chen, speaking on behalf of Wood, said on doctor's advice Wood would not be presenting Close Up tonight.

She said Wood had raised a range of issues with TVNZ on how to restore the relationship of trust and confidence, and on resolving outstanding issues arising from the ERA determination.

"The matters remain outstanding," Ms Chen said. "Susan hopes the situation can be resolved as quickly as possible."

Details of Wood's medical condition were not available.

During the ERA hearing Wood said the dispute had caused her significant distress and was upsetting.

Her fiance Kevin Stanley gave evidence that Wood had been devastated by recent events, had trouble sleeping, was stressed and had shouted at her children in an out of character manner.

- NZPA