Michael Jackson agrees to pay Neverland staffers $306,000 in back wages

Singer Michael Jackson has agreed to pay overdue wages to staff at his Neverland ranch, hours before a legal deadline ran out, state officials say. At least 30 workers are owed $306,000 (£174,000) in unpaid wages dating back to December last year.

Jackson was threatened with a lawsuit if he didn't pay up by a Tuesday deadline, later extended to Wednesday.

However, he will still be fined for allowing workplace insurance at the California ranch to lapse.

The wages will be paid on Thursday, said a statement from the California Department of Industrial Relations. "There is no need to take legal action in this matter at this time," said Robert Jones, acting California labour commissioner.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4804374.stm