Details
of the Armed Forces annual pay rise, to apply from April, have been announced
by defence secretary Geoff Hoon.
The
Armed Forces Pay Review Body has recommended an increase in the basic military
salary of 2.8 per cent, with the exception of Privates, Lance Corporals and
their equivalents who will receive 3.2 per cent.
It
is hoped the rise will help assist recruitment, retention and motivation across
the military.
Hoon
said: "This pay increase is thoroughly deserved. It has been an extremely
busy year for the Armed Forces and I continue to be impressed by their
professionalism whatever the circumstances."
The
additional cost to the defence budget will be £196m, to be met within the
existing departmental expenditure limits.