Armed Forces Pay Hike "Largest In 22 Years"

The new Labour Government has confirmed that Armed Forces personnel will receive a 6% pay rise.

In a move aimed at helping to ease the forces' ongoing issues with recruitment and retention of staff, the increase also means that the starting Armed Forces basic salary comes into line with the National Living Wage for the first time.

In a statement released on July 30 the government said that the increase represented the largest hike in 22 years and was part of "a clear commitment to improving service life and making military careers more attractive." 

Defence Secretary John Healey commented: "We will renew our nation’s contract with those who serve. Our new government’s first duty is keeping the British people safe. And the strength of our defence lies in the serving men and women of our forces.   

"This pay award will benefit every member of the Armed Forces. It is an important step towards turning around the declining morale and recruitment crisis we have faced in recent years. A clear demonstration of our government’s commitment to improving service life.

"This is a first step and we know there is so much more to do. Our new Armed Forces Commissioner will be a strong, independent voice for service personnel and their families, and we will place the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law.

"I want to attract the brightest and the best into our armed forces, because only with strong national security can we build a confident, prosperous country."

Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, said: "This year’s pay award is testament to the hard work and extraordinary dedication of the armed forces at a pivotal time for our security. Alongside a comprehensive benefits package, it aims to ensure our people feel properly recognised and rewarded."

Measures in the 2024 pay award include:

• Initial pay (payable to other ranks during their first six months or until completion of initial training; whichever is sooner) will increase to £25,200 from April 1, 2024;
• Most service personnel up to and including 1-star rank and others in the Armed Forces Pay Review Body’s remit group (including Medical and Dental Officers) will receive an overall 6% pay increase (against 1 April 1, 2023 rates) back dated to April 1, 2024;
• The lowest paid personnel (OR2-01) have been awarded a higher level of investment. In April 2024 they received a 7.25% pay increase, both ensuring they received National Living Wage uplifts at the same time as other public sector workforces and providing a pay rise of c.£1,700 per year for around 6,700 personnel;
• Service personnel receive a comprehensive benefits package including subsided food, medical and dental care, accommodation, and childcare.