Persimmon, the FTSE 100 housebuilder, has entered into a legal battle with John Bennett, the former finance director of Westbury.

The dispute arose after Persimmon bought Westbury last year and culled its management. Bennett, who had been on the Westbury board since 1992, is seeking damages for breach of contract and unfair dismissal.

He is seeking an unspecified sum greater £300,000.

As part of the takeover deal, Bennett agreed to work for Persimmon for six months.

He now says that the two companies have breached the contract for money payable to him when his contract of employment ended. The writ was issued by Farrer & Co on behalf of Bennett.