25%+ cut in allowances!
Whenurhappy,
Always a pleasure to read your well balanced and intelligent postings, except in this case, it is a post that none of us would want to see. Of course you're right and it will be interesting to see how many individuals choose not to volunteer for overseas jobs, when they do the maths and realise that wife giving up job, selling the UK car at a big loss, being out of pocket for hugely increased overseas costs like car insurance etc. is not counterbalanced by the minimal LOA they will receive in return. Certainly not the great package that it used to be and even without the newly announced cuts, it was becoming tight after the last 3 years worth of cuts that sneaked in via stealth.
Of course you never mentioned the 18 year old kids no longer accounted for and depending on the age of your own children, the babysitting allowance being cut will mean excessive personal cost if you are expected to perform representational duties. From my own experience, I was once in a post that required me to do this 2-3 nights per week.
Very best of luck to you regardless...
Always a pleasure to read your well balanced and intelligent postings, except in this case, it is a post that none of us would want to see. Of course you're right and it will be interesting to see how many individuals choose not to volunteer for overseas jobs, when they do the maths and realise that wife giving up job, selling the UK car at a big loss, being out of pocket for hugely increased overseas costs like car insurance etc. is not counterbalanced by the minimal LOA they will receive in return. Certainly not the great package that it used to be and even without the newly announced cuts, it was becoming tight after the last 3 years worth of cuts that sneaked in via stealth.
Of course you never mentioned the 18 year old kids no longer accounted for and depending on the age of your own children, the babysitting allowance being cut will mean excessive personal cost if you are expected to perform representational duties. From my own experience, I was once in a post that required me to do this 2-3 nights per week.
Very best of luck to you regardless...
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I travel a lot, but have never claimed for the odd sandwich, cup of coffee etc, figuring I would probably have bought them anyway. From now on, (or at least until I am hopefully made redundant in March after 29 years loyal and selfless service) I have resolved to claim every legitimate penny going. Military covenant, don't make me laugh.
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I put in a claim this week for a service duty journey. I undertook the journey in my own car as no service transport was available. I made a point of refuelling often at the key stages of the overall journey. I actually spent £230 in fuel and received £170 towards that fuel in motor mileage allowance. This is clearly due to the the spiraling cost of fuel and the lowering; and due to get worse, renumeration from the service.
Next time; and there will be a next time, if MT cannot provide a vehicle I will cancel the task. The tasking I do may well be high profile and important to OOA but I refuse to pay for the costs involved. I am quite sure that the spin placed on the allowances package included a statement that renumeration of duty fees was essential. The caveate of using your own car to incur 'convenience contribution' is something that could well bite them in the arse the way fuel costs are going. My peers are independently voicing a similar opinion with regard to service travel.
Next time; and there will be a next time, if MT cannot provide a vehicle I will cancel the task. The tasking I do may well be high profile and important to OOA but I refuse to pay for the costs involved. I am quite sure that the spin placed on the allowances package included a statement that renumeration of duty fees was essential. The caveate of using your own car to incur 'convenience contribution' is something that could well bite them in the arse the way fuel costs are going. My peers are independently voicing a similar opinion with regard to service travel.
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DB, Already happened to me this week. No MT available for a trip next week and I have refused to use my own vehicle. I explained that if the trip was that important then I would need a hire car - their call. Hire car duly hired and fuel card to be issued. So, instead of paying me less than the the actual cost of fuel and getting free use of my car, it cost at least £40 for the hire car and the full cost of the fuel. I would have been happy to use my own vehicle if my actual costs were to be reimbursed, no more, no less. Time the system learned that loyalty is a 2 way street - and yes I do feel bad writing this because, even 1 yr ago, it would have been unthinkable.
Actually you'd still be wrong to accept the FULL costs of your travel and this has only just dawned on me recently, due to the lost opportunity cost of money.
I would demand a small premium to take into account the lost opportunity cost of money that I could have gained greater utility with on that day.
It's almost as if they are taking an interest free loan from people and with inflation expected to exceed 5% this year, I will be ensuring that MT provides the car!
I would demand a small premium to take into account the lost opportunity cost of money that I could have gained greater utility with on that day.
It's almost as if they are taking an interest free loan from people and with inflation expected to exceed 5% this year, I will be ensuring that MT provides the car!
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PVR v Redundancy – Confirmation sought that SP not affected/reduced by Redundancy
A couple of us ‘debating’ the PVR v Redundancy issue….and we’re requesting some clarification/admin expertise if available. Been re-reading 2010 DIN01-187 (Regular Armed Forces Redundancy Programme) and, if possible, would like to know if it can be clearly established that yesterday’s announcement of the total loss of SP when you PVR is NOT applicable to those who are selected for redundancy (either as volunteers or as non-applicants) and that application for redundancy does not equal, or can be considered as, an application for PVR.
I’m not able to post a link to the DIN here, however it does contain the following:
and
9. Specialist Pay. Both applicants and non-applicants for redundancy who are in receipt of specialist pay at the point of notification of redundancy will have their specialist pay assessed in accordance with the policy for handling personnel who elect to leave the Service at a recognised exit point.
This paragraph is the one that concerns. What does “…will have their specialist pay assessed in accordance with the policy for handling personnel who elect to leave the Service at a recognised exit point.” …actually mean?
Hopefully somebody in the know can confirm that this is not something to concern those that may wish to apply for redundancy (or get notified anyway without applying!) that they do not then lose their SP for the 6 (or 12) months of their notice period.
Thanks in advance.
H-W
I’m not able to post a link to the DIN here, however it does contain the following:
8. g. Notice Period. Successful applicants for redundancy will be entitled to 6 months notice to leave. Non-applicants who are selected for redundancy will be entitled to 12 months notice to leave. The notice period will begin from the notification date unless deferred in accordance with paragraph 8(c)(1) or (2). All personnel who have been selected for redundancy may apply to leave at any time during their period of notice, subject to Service agreement (and deployment commitments – see paragraph 8(c)(1) and (2)).
9. Specialist Pay. Both applicants and non-applicants for redundancy who are in receipt of specialist pay at the point of notification of redundancy will have their specialist pay assessed in accordance with the policy for handling personnel who elect to leave the Service at a recognised exit point.
Hopefully somebody in the know can confirm that this is not something to concern those that may wish to apply for redundancy (or get notified anyway without applying!) that they do not then lose their SP for the 6 (or 12) months of their notice period.
Thanks in advance.
H-W
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Whenurhappy,
Good post, you've hit the nail firmly on the head and I agree with what you've said.
When you compare the allowances package to that in the FCO the difference is stark. It's clear to me as a professionally HR specialist that the MOD is doing its very best to get rid of personnel on the cheap.
Anyone who thinks the airline industry/airline recruitment is going to get better anytime soon is deluded. Just look at the economies of the PIGS, UK inflation, UK pay restriant, years of stagflation ahead, a trillion pounds of personal debt in the UK, the spiralling cost of fuel therefore flights/holidays, UK GDP growth figures, the public sector borrowing requirement etc. So I don't think I or many others will be going on holiday overseas soon, so if we aren't flying will you... Oh and don't believe BALPA, they do have an agenda after all.
You can blame the bankers totally, we are to blame as well, we became obessed by having it all now whether we could afford it or not, the buy now pay later generation, except we've done the buying and now we are paying.
I'm glad I've left and joined above-mentioned dept, however I'm not proud of my new colleagues attitude and disdain for the military. When the military get involved it's an indication the diplomats have failed.
Adminblunty
Good post, you've hit the nail firmly on the head and I agree with what you've said.
When you compare the allowances package to that in the FCO the difference is stark. It's clear to me as a professionally HR specialist that the MOD is doing its very best to get rid of personnel on the cheap.
Anyone who thinks the airline industry/airline recruitment is going to get better anytime soon is deluded. Just look at the economies of the PIGS, UK inflation, UK pay restriant, years of stagflation ahead, a trillion pounds of personal debt in the UK, the spiralling cost of fuel therefore flights/holidays, UK GDP growth figures, the public sector borrowing requirement etc. So I don't think I or many others will be going on holiday overseas soon, so if we aren't flying will you... Oh and don't believe BALPA, they do have an agenda after all.
You can blame the bankers totally, we are to blame as well, we became obessed by having it all now whether we could afford it or not, the buy now pay later generation, except we've done the buying and now we are paying.
I'm glad I've left and joined above-mentioned dept, however I'm not proud of my new colleagues attitude and disdain for the military. When the military get involved it's an indication the diplomats have failed.
Adminblunty
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Willard,
MRAF retired on full pay, however the rank of MRAF was discontinued some years ago and the number alive is very small. An ACM, AM, AVM Air Cdre etc who retires leaves with a pension. All the details will be the relevant Joint Service Publication on Pensions, however I don't have a link to it.
Adminblunty
MRAF retired on full pay, however the rank of MRAF was discontinued some years ago and the number alive is very small. An ACM, AM, AVM Air Cdre etc who retires leaves with a pension. All the details will be the relevant Joint Service Publication on Pensions, however I don't have a link to it.
Adminblunty
We bemoan the lack of representation and inability to strike but the way we are being hit means a work to rule is sadly now sweeping across the service.
Loyalty in return for loyalty.
Loyalty in return for loyalty.
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Adminblunty is totally correct. It's amazing how deep rooted this incorrect notion that all air officers retire on full pay is. Most people accept it as an absolute truth and will strongly disagree when you tell them it isn't the case.
It comes up on here regularly.
It comes up on here regularly.
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I undertook the journey in my own car as no service transport was available.
So, instead of paying me less than the the actual cost of fuel and getting free use of my car, it cost at least £40 for the hire car and the full cost of the fuel.
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H-W
You are correct. The Briefing Note to be issued on 1 Feb will explain all, but if you opt for or are selected for redundancy your SP is not affected during your 'waiting period'. You will continue to be paid at your current rate up until the day you leave. In effect, your redundancy date will become a 'normal' exit date.
T&G
You are correct. The Briefing Note to be issued on 1 Feb will explain all, but if you opt for or are selected for redundancy your SP is not affected during your 'waiting period'. You will continue to be paid at your current rate up until the day you leave. In effect, your redundancy date will become a 'normal' exit date.
T&G
DR,
I suggest you buy yourself a new car, as your current one (appears) to be rubbish.
You say you got £170 back in claims for petrol, but it cost you £230.
Now lets look at that in more detail:
ASSUMPTION 1. Costs refunded at 25p/mile (which I believe is the current figure).
Therefore, £170 divided by 25p = 680 miles driven.
ASSUMPTION 2. Fuel cost £1.30/litre.
£230 divided by £1.30 = approx 177L = approx. 38.9 gallons.
Therefore your car has a fuel consumption of 680 divided by 38.9 = 17.4 miles per gallon - is it a Rolls Royce?
Of course my assumptions may be incorrect, feel free to point out any errors. A higher fuel price will make some difference, but not a lot.
Possibly you also finished your journey with less than dry tanks?
A few years ago the AA was quoting about 40p per mile to cover ALL the costs of running a car, fuel, MOT, servicing, insurance, etc, but for most people 25p per mile covers the cost of fuel.
I suggest you buy yourself a new car, as your current one (appears) to be rubbish.
You say you got £170 back in claims for petrol, but it cost you £230.
Now lets look at that in more detail:
ASSUMPTION 1. Costs refunded at 25p/mile (which I believe is the current figure).
Therefore, £170 divided by 25p = 680 miles driven.
ASSUMPTION 2. Fuel cost £1.30/litre.
£230 divided by £1.30 = approx 177L = approx. 38.9 gallons.
Therefore your car has a fuel consumption of 680 divided by 38.9 = 17.4 miles per gallon - is it a Rolls Royce?
Of course my assumptions may be incorrect, feel free to point out any errors. A higher fuel price will make some difference, but not a lot.
Possibly you also finished your journey with less than dry tanks?
A few years ago the AA was quoting about 40p per mile to cover ALL the costs of running a car, fuel, MOT, servicing, insurance, etc, but for most people 25p per mile covers the cost of fuel.
A few years ago the AA was quoting about 40p per mile to cover ALL the costs of running a car, fuel, MOT, servicing, insurance, etc, but for most people 25p per mile covers the cost of fuel.
Chinecap - You are so indoctrinated. I hope you can swim well, as you'll be the last one to let go of the deck rail as the RAF slips below the surface. You do realise that everything they told you at IOT isn't true?
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
The reduction in allowances will inevitably mean an increase in out of pocket expenses. The extra expenditure wholly connected with your business journey may be tax deductible.
The obvious one is the mileage allowance although you would be limited to the additional 15p per mile unrefunded by the MOD, however where the MOD refunds less than the mileage you necessarily travelled then you can claim that additional mileage at 40p/mile. You may have detoured for a meal or road works etc.
With the reduced subsistence allowance you may have to pay more than the allowance. For instance you might be in an hotel with little choice of dining options, you could therefore try and submit that expense to HMRC too.
The things covered by the old IE allowance would not be claimable.
If, however, you had an extended detachment and no access to you home laundry you could try and claim for the necessary additional laundry expenses.
Provided you don't try and rip the a2se out of the system it will probably be paid unchallenged, but do have receipts and a proper record - same as JPA really.
The obvious one is the mileage allowance although you would be limited to the additional 15p per mile unrefunded by the MOD, however where the MOD refunds less than the mileage you necessarily travelled then you can claim that additional mileage at 40p/mile. You may have detoured for a meal or road works etc.
With the reduced subsistence allowance you may have to pay more than the allowance. For instance you might be in an hotel with little choice of dining options, you could therefore try and submit that expense to HMRC too.
The things covered by the old IE allowance would not be claimable.
If, however, you had an extended detachment and no access to you home laundry you could try and claim for the necessary additional laundry expenses.
Provided you don't try and rip the a2se out of the system it will probably be paid unchallenged, but do have receipts and a proper record - same as JPA really.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
MGD, quite true. I believe there is even a clause in QRs that entitles you to claim PCR rate on the unit. For instance if you are on a remote site and required to go to supply or a meeting then you are entitled to transport. If MT can't provide and your boss won't let you use his wheels then how would you get there?
I used to try and MT would steal wheels from the individual furthest down the food chain, usually the CRO.
I used to try and MT would steal wheels from the individual furthest down the food chain, usually the CRO.
Gentleman Aviator
Air Officers pensions:
... can't find the link either, but ISTR it's 50% - which is about what most leavers-at-55 would get.
Not in a JSP, but in the Senior Salaries Advisory Board Report - the AFPRB equivalent for the reeely top brass. Should be Googlable, but I can't be @rsed, as I won't be getting an Air Officers' pension!!
All the details will be the relevant Joint Service Publication on Pensions, however I don't have a link to it.
Not in a JSP, but in the Senior Salaries Advisory Board Report - the AFPRB equivalent for the reeely top brass. Should be Googlable, but I can't be @rsed, as I won't be getting an Air Officers' pension!!