PEMBROKESHIRE County Council staff will be working under "a less feared regime" following the departure of chief executive Bryn Parry-Jones, according to a Trade Union.

In a statement following the news that councillors had agreed a £330,000 pay-off for the under-fire chief executive, Unison said they were 'satisfied' that he was to go "finally as a result of continuing pressure."

But Unison said councillors had 'lost their nerve' by agreeing the pay-off.

Vic Dennis, Unison Branch Secretary, said: “Many of our members will welcome working under a less feared regime following the departure of the CEO.

Unison members gave the council a loud and clear message about their head of paid staff. Firstly with an overwhelming ballot result of no trust and confidence, followed on August 8 with a lunchtime demonstration, where a small number of brave souls were joined by fellow trade unionists and members of the wider community.

"Eventually the council instigated disciplinary processes against the failing CEO but then a number of councillors lost their nerve and came up with the eye watering deal.

In the current funding crisis it is astonishing that the council can find an alleged amount of nearly £1/3m to satisfy the greed of one man whilst they are planning to implement cuts that will result in the further loss of our member’s jobs and precious services to the community.

The council could provide or protect the jobs of over 20 home carers or refuse collectors or 10 social workers for a full year for the same cost. This is another astonishing example of the dual standards that have existed in the councillors and the councillors need to get a grip on.”

In response, the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Councillor Jamie Adams said:“I do not agree with the sentiments expressed by Mr Dennis.

"His words were, at best, misguided. Mr Dennis well knows that the Council was duty bound to honour its contractual commitments to the chief executive and I am disappointed he has felt the need to mislead the people of Pembrokeshire in suggesting there was a realistic alternative.

“Council took independent legal advice prior to taking its decision.

"Members were strongly advised that the disciplinary case against the chief executive was very weak.”