Pop superstar Michael Jackson has shut down the house on his Neverland Ranch and dismissed some of the employees on the Californian estate. The Thriller singer, who has lived in Bahrain since his child molestation trial ended last year, is not closing the ranch in its entirety. Jackson's spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain says, "It is public knowledge that Mr. Jackson currently resides in the Middle Eastern country of Bahrain. He therefore decided to close his house and reduce his work force. This is a common practice when a residence is vacant for an extended period of time." Thursday, state officials confirmed Jackson would that day pay his Neverland workers, who demanded $306,000 after complaining they hadn't received a pay packet since December 19. However, acting Labor Commissioner Robert Jones warned this figure could rise, as the singer's payroll records were still being scrutinized. Official figures will be released next week, he claimed.