All Servicemen and women will see their basic pay go up by 2.6%, and X-Factor pay will go up from 13 to 14 per cent, Defence Secretary Des Browne, announced today, 7 February 2008.
These are the recommendations of the independent Armed Forces' Pay Review Body, which the Government has accepted and will implement in full from 1 April 2008,
The X-Factor is an adjustment to military pay in recognition of the special conditions and unique demands of service life, including danger, discipline and separation from families, experienced by members of the Armed Forces compared to those in the civilian sector.
The amount of X-Factor paid to officers at the equivalent of Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel and Brigadier ranks has also been restructured for the first time since 1974. This reflects that officers of these ranks now experience conditions and frequency of tours similar to more junior officers.
Officers at Lt Col rank will receive an increase from 66% to 100% of X-Factor. Those at Colonel level will see an increase from 66% to 75% and those at Brigadier level will see an increase from 33% to 50%.
Derek Twigg, Under Secretary of State for Defence, said:
"I am delighted to be able to announce this pay rise for our Armed Forces, which is thoroughly deserved. This pay award recognises the tremendous contribution all our Service personnel continue to make at home and overseas."
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of Defence Staff, said:
"This pay increase is good news for the Armed Forces at a time when their dedication, determination and courage continue to be tested. It reflects the outstanding contributions our people and their families are making to the defence of our nation. It is also a tangible demonstration of the high regard in which our people are held by the Government and the nation."
The Longer Separation Allowance will increase by 2.6 per cent - giving troops deployed overseas at least £1,100 over a six month tour. The rates of Specialist Pay (including Flying Pay, Submarine Pay, Diving Pay and Hydrographic Pay) will also increase by 2.6 per cent. A new category of specialist pay is also being introduced for Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel.
In total, as a result of the increases announced today, a Private soldier deploying on their first operation will now receive:
• basic pay between £16,227 - £25,182
• £2,320 tax free Operational Allowance over a six month tour
• at least £1,100 in Longer Separation Allowance over a six month tour
Manning in the Armed Forces remains challenging. In response we are introducing new Financial Retention Initiatives for Nuclear Submarine Watchkeepers, Army Vehicle Mechanics, the Royal Artillery, the RAF Regiment and Firefighters.
The pay award will mean around £282million more will be spent on Armed Forces pay.
The Armed Forces' Pay Review Body (AFPRB) is an independent group. It bases its recommendations on broad comparability with similarly weighted civilian jobs. The Review Body gathers evidence from a wide variety of sources and takes account of a number of factors including Government evidence.
Source: UK Ministry of Defense
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