Bonuses for top executives at the BBC have been suspended indefinitely.

The revelation comes ahead of publication of the BBC's annual report and accounts and extends the already-announced freeze on 2009 bonuses for the corporation's top earners.

And after a turbulent few months for the broadcaster - following the 'Sachsgate' scandal and in which its top earners' expenses were scrutinised - there is further pressure after being publicly criticised by the culture secretary.

Ben Bradshaw said BBC chiefs had created "almost a feeling of despair" among staff by opposing plans to "top-slice" the licence fee.

Announcing the bonus suspension for the 10 most senior executives, BBC Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons explained the BBC was "sensitive to the prevailing economic wind" over pay and bonuses.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph Sir Michael said: "I can reveal that we have already reached agreement that Executive Board bonus payments will be suspended until further notice and not reintroduced without the trust's approval."

Sir Michael said a review of executive pay was ongoing, with findings due in the autumn.

He added: "In determining the right level of salaries for BBC staff we must be careful not to cut off our nose to spite our face, ending up without the skills and abilities which make the BBC the world-renowned organisation it is.

"We must, however, also ensure that we maintain the trust and confidence of those who pay for the BBC - the licence fee-paying public."

Sir Michael said big salaries were "always controversial" and added: "We have to be sensitive to the prevailing economic wind which currently can make the top BBC salaries appear too high."