Be wary about raising a comparison with Para Pay it too is Specilist Pay for recruiting and retention. The following qoute is from the
AFPRB 2006 Report. A glance at the Appendix 2 will show that Para Pay has similar reserve bands as Flying pay
Specialist Pay
4.2 In our last two Reports (2004 and 2005), we have noted the development of common arrangements for Specialist Pay. In conducting our periodic reviews of items of Specialist Pay over this period, we have seen how MOD and the Services have applied the agreed common principles, particularly in preparation for the transition to JPA.
4.3 In evidence for this report, MOD informed us that the payment principles and definitions had been developed further. Definitions for payment on the basis of continuous career, non-continuous and task-based had been clarified along with definitions of Specialist Pay posts and Specialist Pay-related posts. The principles applying to Specialist Pay continue to aim to meet short or longer term recruitment and retention requirements. MOD clarified that:
• Specialist Pay ceases on promotion to OF7 (Major General and equivalents);
• Rates can increase and decrease – and will reduce on PVR application;
• Specialist Pay can be withdrawn when the requirement ceases and new forms can be introduced;
• Decreasing rates or withdrawal would be at 12 months notice; and
• Specialist Pay is non-pensionable but is subject to income tax and National
Insurance.
4.4 The common principles for Specialist Pay include Reserve Bands for which, under JPA, full rates will apply for the first three years away from designated posts, and will be followed by decreasing rates (75, 50 and 25 per cent) in the following three years with arrangements for those who PVR or are medically downgraded. We include in Appendix 2 the Reserve Band rates for transition to JPA.