ARMED forces personnel will receive a third consecutive above-inflation pay rise, the Government has confirmed.
Wages will increase by 3.6%, meaning personnel will have been granted a cumulative pay award of 14% since July 2024 as ministers seek to address a recruitment and retention crisis in the military.
The uplift in wages will result in the average salary for the armed forces rising to £45,710, up £1,650 on last year.
The announcement comes amid speculation on when the delayed defence investment plan (Dip) will be published, with reports of wrangling within Government over how to pay for the plans.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the pay rise reflects the sacrifices made by those serving and the Government’s commitment to them.