Military personnel are to receive an above inflation pay rise of
4.5% (3.75% for senior officers), recognising their extraordinary
professionalism and the sacrifices they make to keep the British
people safe.
The award forms part of the government's efforts to fix
recruitment and retention, while demonstrating how it is renewing
the contract with those who serve.
The pay rise maintains the MOD's status as a National Living Wage
employer, while recognising the important work of military
personnel in keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad –
foundational to this government's Plan for Change.
This pay award follows last year's headline award of 6% (5% for
senior officers) and a significant uplift for new recruits of
approximately 35%, ensuring all full-time members of the Armed
Forces were paid the National Living Wage for the first time.
This means Armed Forces personnel have received a cumulative pay
award of 10.5% (8.75% for senior officers) since July
2024.
Secretary of State for Defence said:
“Our people are what make the UK Armed Forces' reputation one
of the best around the world. Our forces work tirelessly to keep
Britain secure at home and strong abroad.
“Today's above inflation pay award recognises their
dedication and underlines this Government's commitment to renew
the nation's contract with those who serve.”
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin
said:
“This Armed Forces pay award continues to demonstrate our
commitment to our people. It ensures that those who work so hard
for our safety and security are supported.
“To do what they do takes immense courage, determination and
sacrifice and I'm pleased to see so much done to recognise their
efforts.
Pay, accommodation and pension are key pieces of a bigger
puzzle, and we will continue to put those pieces together to
ensure the strength of our military for years to
come.”
Starting salaries for Other Ranks who have completed initial
training will increase to approximately £26,334, benefiting
around 7,800 of our most junior personnel.
Starting pay for junior officers will rise to around
£34,676.
The package includes two new targeted retention payments for
specific Royal Navy Catering Services personnel, addressing
critical retention challenges in this specialist area.
A new Afloat Environmental Allowance will replace existing
provisions, bringing coherence and clarity to recognise different
conditions across naval platforms.
Medical specialists will benefit from an increased Medical
Officers' Golden Hello to enhance its attractiveness for
consultants and registrars in specialisms with workforce
capability gaps.
The Government has already taken decisive action to tackle
recruitment and retention challenges by announcing new financial
retention packages.
Around 5,000 eligible aircraft engineers across all three
Services are eligible to receive £30,000 when they sign up for an
additional three years of service. And a new £8,000 retention
payment for around 4,000 eligible Army Privates and Lance
Corporals each year for the next three years when they sign up
for an additional three years of Service.
This announcement follows recent action taken by the department
to improve the offer for our Armed Forces personnel. This
includes improving living conditions through a new Consumer
Charter to provide homes fit for the heroes who serve our nation,
and are creating a new, independently-appointed, Armed Forces
Commissioner who will have the power to investigate issues raised
directly by serving personnel and their families.
Last year the Armed Forces saw a headline award of 6% (5% for
senior officers) and a significant uplift for new recruits of
approximately 35%. The Government has taken decisive action to
tackle recruitment and retention challenges by announcing new
financial retention packages.
