Pay
for young new recruits to the armed forces has been boosted by 12.5 per cent in
an attempt to attract more soldiers.
The
increase is in response to a study which found school leavers can earn more
from other employers. The Army is still short of 6,500 soldiers.
The
boost will take wages for new recruits under 17 from £8,000 to £8,997.
Overall,
the Armed Forces are to receive an average pay rise of 3.7 per cent this year.
Bosses say this is a reward for a busy year.
The
pay increase takes effect from 1 April 2002 and will cost the Armed Forces a
total £236m.
Aircrew
staff will also receive a lump sum bonus of £30,000 if, five years before their
pension date, they agree to stay.
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Extra
bonuses will also be paid when they reach pensionable age.
