Civil Service head Major Kenneth Dill sent a letter to announce his retirement last weekend, despite claims by the Premier that he had not been informed.

Major Dill, who after 40 years of Government work will retire on September 21, sent a letter to the Cabinet Office on August 21 announcing his decision.

Both Premier Ewart Brown and his Press Secretary, Jahmal Simmons, said on Thursday that they had not been formally notified.

Responding to a series of media inquiries, Dr. Brown said that Major Dill would reach retirement age in September but added: "Despite numerous attempts to contact the outgoing head of the Civil Service, the matter had not been discussed with Mr. Dill."

In response to further queries, Mr. Simmons said: "In the ordinary course, the retiring officer would advise his supervisor about his intent to retire.

"This has not happened in spite of Mr. Dill being invited to advise the Premier of his intentions on more than one occasion.

"Mr. Dill has not informed the Civil service executive of hi impending retirement, in spite of meeting with them weekly and, when asked to address the matter, refused."

However, a statement released yesterday by the Cabinet Office said the office had received a letter notifying the Premier of the Civil Service boss's retirement.

The statement said: "The Cabinet Office can confirm receipt of a letter from Major Kenneth S. Dill dated August 21, 2010, in which he confirms to the Premier that he shall retire from the public service with effect from September 21, 2010."

Last April, Dr. Brown gave Major Dill a letter telling him he should step down immediately. Major Dill said that he was taken aback by the approach, and chose to remain in the post.

Plans are already in place to temporarily replace Major Dill until a new Premier can be sworn-in and can be consulted on a permanent replacement.