Service personnel are to receive a 3.6 per cent pay rise.
The government announcement follows a 4.5 per cent increase last year and a six per cent award in 2024.
The package, which will be backdated to 1 April, includes a 3.6 per cent increase in payments for specialist skills and roles. A Nursing Professionals’ pay spine is being introduced, as well as an increased ‘Golden Hello’ to attract direct entrants into specialisms where there are gaps in workforce capability.
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton said: “This pay award is an important part of how we recognise the important role and the valuable service the people of our Armed Forces play in keeping our country safe.
“Our people serve with great professionalism, dedication and courage. Pay, accommodation, family support and welfare are all part of the support that helps ensure that our people are ready for whatever we ask of them. We will continue to work to make sure that this meets the needs of our people.”
Pay body recommendations accepted
The government accepted the independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body’s recommendations in full. They included a 3.6 per cent increase in the Volunteers Reserves’ Training Bounty.
More detail about the 3.6 per cent pay rise is available in the Armed Forces Pay Review Body report.
The report also recommended rental charges for SFA in CAAS bands A-F and SLA Grade 1 should rise by 3.8 per cent. SLA Grade 2 should increase by 2.5 per cent and Grade 3 by 1.3 per cent. None of the increases should be backdated.
No increases were recommended for CAAS bands below F or SLA Grade 4.
AFF will be running a survey on pay during the summer before giving evidence to the next Armed Forces Pay Review Body hearing in the autumn. Keep an eye on our socials or the news section of our website for an announcement and the chance to take part.