Afprb 40

[Willard Whyte]

No real surprises, but it's out now.

http://www.ome.uk.com/Document/Default.aspx?DocumentUid=1088BDA9-76DC-4594-8CCF-F7FE88A325A8

[Just This Once...]

1.20 We are seriously concerned about the cumulative impact of the overall changes in prospect. Inflation is higher than was expected when the pay freeze was announced, allowances have been cut, and the change in pensions indexation reduces the value of the pension more than other public sector groups. Taken together, these changes pose considerable risks to morale and potentially to recruitment and retention.


Fair reflection.

[VinRouge]

Interesting comments ref manpower; it appears as though we are still technically undermanned. Also, comments re a wholesale review of Specialist pay arrangements and how retention incentives don't provide the long term solution they need to.

I wonder if FP could become pensionable if there are any changes to the age at which you can draw a pension?

[Jumping_Jack]

Just this once....

It may be a fair reflection but it didn't stop them going on to say '...but we're still putting up your food and accommodation charges'! :suspect: Bastards..

[Foghorn Leghorn]

Notwithstanding the increase in inflation, but does this mean that the AFPRB knowing full well about the public pay freeze and that morale is teetering on a knife edge at best, they have decided on a suggestion to increase food and accommodation. Ergo, in a essence, a further pay cut for those occupying Service accommodation and taking Service meals?

[Biggus]

FL

....and if you're renting privately, can you expect your landlord not to put your rent up just because you are on a pay freeze?

If you're eating out, or buying food at a supermarket, do you expect the prices not to go up just because you are on a pay freeze?



I THINK NOT...

[whowhenwhy]

But in this case the landlord is also the employer and should know how finely balanced the finances are at the moment. Consequently, given the poor standard of our accommodation compared to that available in civvy street, it would have made more sense to leave the charges alone!

[VinRouge]

They did this though. Check what it says ref grade 1 increase vs Grade 5 increase. Cant really argue with the report. Its actually pretty fair in the current public sector climate.

[ghostnav]

It is sad to see that while stating the Armed Forces Pensions are non-contributory, no mention was made that our salaries are abated!

Everyone should make sure this fact does not get lost in the forthcoming months when discussions on changes to our pensions are conducted.

[Mach the Knife]

The 1% increase in National Insurance will have a bigger impact on my take home pay.

[Al R]

I wouldn't spend too much time fretting about the 1% right now. Spending too much time looking at the detail on one particular small aspect of any pay/retirement system is radar clutter and misses the bigger picture (namely; that we will quite possibly see a combined NI/Income tax system being introduced).

http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/ots_review_tax_reliefs_final_report.pdf

Forget the CPI/RPI pension debate for one moment, forget hoiking 1.2% on the SFA garage.. is this another one in the eye for pensioners and those who have been paying over the odds for years or is it a case of 'simples is best'? Simplification is a great idea but it needs to be fair and whilst NI has become the great NHS funding scheme, those who have paid good money into it would be deprived of benefits that they have already purchased and those, who have not paid, would get benefits to which they are not 'entitled'.

God, it makes my brain hurt. Sorry, back to the topic. As ever right now, all we can do is sit back with a stiff gin and wait for the Budget! :{