In line with the Armed Forces' Pay Review Body (AFPRB) recommendations, the basic military salary for officers and all other ranks will increase by 2.8 per cent, Defence Secretary John Hutton announced today, Wednesday 31 March 2009.
In addition, the rates of Specialist Pay (including Flying Pay, Submarine Pay and Diving Pay) will also increase by 2.8 per cent.
The Government has also accepted the AFPRB recommendations on a number of targeted financial measures, including a minimum pay increase on promotion to the rank of Sergeant and Petty Officer of 5 per cent and a reduction in the qualifying period between each level of Longer Separation Allowance.
The AFPRB has also endorsed the improved Commitment Bonus arrangements.
Announcing this year's pay review today Mr Hutton said:
"The 2009 Report of the Armed Forces' Pay Review Body has now been published. I wish to express my thanks to the Chairman and members of the Review Body for their Report. I am pleased to confirm that the AFPRB's recommendations are to be accepted in full, with implementation effective from 1 April 2009."
Copies of the Armed Forces' Pay Review Body Report are available in the Vote Office and the Library of the House.
The MPs 2.3% Pay Rise got negative press in todays newspapers, which will make for interesting headlines tomorrow.[/