The UK Armed Forces’ pay will start at £16,227 from 1 April 2007. © Crown Copyright 2006.

All UK servicemen and women are to receive a 2.6% pay rise from 1 April 2008, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced.

The amount of X-Factor paid – an adjustment to military pay in recognition of the conditions of service experienced by members of the Armed Forces compared to those in the civilian sector – will also rise from 13% to 14%.

X-Factor adjustments paid to officers equivalent to Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel and Brigadier ranks have also been restructured for the first time since 1974. “This reflects that officers of these ranks now experience conditions and frequency of tours similar to more junior officers,” MoD said.

In addition, the Longer Separation Allowance and Rates of Specialist Pay (including Flying Pay, Submarine Pay, Diving Pay and Hydrographic Pay) will increase 2.6%.

The increases mean a private soldier deployed on their first operation will now receive basic pay of between £16,227 and £25,182, a £2,320 tax free Operational Allowance on a six-month tour, and at least £1,100 in Longer Separation Allowance over a six month tour.

Derek Twigg, Under Secretary of State for Defence, commented: “I am delighted to be able to announce this pay rise for our Armed Forces, which is thoroughly deserved. This pay award recognises the tremendous contribution all our Service personnel continue to make at home and overseas.”

For more information about the Armed Forces pay rise, visit www.mod.uk ^[1]

By Natasha Piscitelli