Thousands of Service Personnel are set to receive retention
bonuses as the Government takes decisive action to tackle the
long-term decline in Armed Forces numbers.
As part of the Government's commitment to renew the nation's
contract with those who serve, eligible Tri-service aircraft
engineers will be given £30,000 when they sign up for additional
three years' of service. From April 2025, this will be applicable
to around 5,000 personnel in total.
From January 2025, a new £8,000 retention payment will be awarded
to eligible regular Privates and Lance Corporals who have served
four years. The payment targets Army Personnel as they enter a
critical part of their career, with 12,000 personnel expected to
benefit over the next three years.
The announcements come as part of a drive to boost military
morale, with additional childcare support announced for families
deployed overseas earlier this week.
The retention payments were announced by Defence Secretary MP in the House of Commons
yesterday and follows the Government delivering the largest Armed
Forces pay increase for 22 years earlier this year.
It also comes after the Government scrapped 100 outdated policies
that block and slow down recruitment, resulting in over 700
applications being reconsidered so far. This week, the Armed
Forces Commissioner Bill also passed Second Reading in the House
of Commons.
During a visit to Aldershot Garrison today (22 November),
Minister for Veterans and People, met with Army personnel set
to benefit from the retention payments.
Minister for Veterans and People, OBE MC MP said:
This Government is on a drive to boost military morale and we are
taking decisive action to stop the long term decline in Armed
Forces numbers, having inherited a recruitment and retention
crisis – with targets missed every year for the past 14 years.
We will always stand up for our Armed Forces and these retention
payments help recognise the extraordinary sacrifices Service
Personnel make to defend the UK and keep us all safe.
The new Government previously announced it has slashed
recruitment red tape to make the process more straightforward for
those wanting to join the military. Through the removal of 100
unnecessary medical policies such as blocking some sufferers of
hay fever, eczema, and acne, more than 700 applications have been
reviewed.
The Government also awarded an average 6% pay rise for Service
Personnel with new recruits receiving a 35% increase - ensuring
all members of the Armed Forces receive at least the National
Living Wage for the first time.
The Defence Secretary announced earlier this week the expansion
of a scheme which helps service families in the UK pay for
wraparound childcare to those based abroad. Hundreds of families
will now be able to claim up to 20 hours a week of funded before
and after school childcare, saving around £3,400 a year.
Also this week, the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill passed Second
Reading in the House of Commons. The legislation will deliver a
manifesto commitment to establish the first ever Armed Forces
Commissioner, a strong, independent voice for Service Personnel
and their families with power to hold Government and Single
Services to account.
