The Ministry of Defence has unveiled a range of initiatives aimed at improving the retention of Armed Forces personnel, responding to concerns raised in Parliament about workforce challenges.
Caroline Dinenage, Conservative MP for Gosport, questioned the steps being taken to increase retention, prompting a detailed response from Al Carns, the Minister for Veterans.
Al Carns emphasised the government’s commitment to a renewed relationship with those who serve, stating:
“The new Government’s work in improving retention and recruitment is part of a package of measures aimed to renew the contract between the nation and those who serve.”
The approach focuses on modernising employment policies and promoting Defence as a rewarding and forward-facing career.
Financial Incentives and Pay Increases
The MOD has introduced financial measures to support retention, including:
- The largest Armed Forces pay increase in 22 years.
- A £30,000 financial incentive for a cohort of tri-Service Air Engineers.
- An £8,000 retention payment for a cohort of Army personnel.
These measures aim to provide “appropriate financial recognition” to retain key skills and personnel, Carns noted.
Support for Military Families
Recognising the sacrifices made by military families, the government has implemented family-focused measures:
- The cap on Continuity of Education Allowance rates has been lifted to support children’s education despite frequent relocations.
- The recent repurchase of the Service Families Accommodation (SFA) estate from Annington Homes enables a major redevelopment programme to improve housing quality.
- Wraparound Childcare has been extended to families serving overseas, potentially saving up to £3,400 annually per family.
Future Plans
The MOD is preparing additional initiatives to enhance service life, with more measures set to be announced in the spring. Carns highlighted:
“Our aim is to attract and recruit more, as well as maximise the number of applicants that successfully enter and remain in Armed Forces employment.”
One simple idea they could implement across defence would be to cease the “Pay as you dine” system and associated contracts. The food and service is both dreadful and unpopular. It’s a simple quality of life policy for all ranks in all three Services.
One of my friends who was a trainer on Interflex sent me a photo of lunch.
Total joke quality food.
Napoleon did state that an army marches on its stomach…..we appear to have forgotten that!
I never had an issue with it at the camps I served at. Enjoyed the flexibility, as did most others.
Pay as you dine was brought in because the alternative was fucking over soldiers who lived off camp.
Personally I don’t want going home on a weekend to mean I have money docked from my paycheck for meals I won’t eat.
Certainly a step in the right direction but there is more to do if we are to rebuild confidence, not only for serving personnel but for recruitment too.
Retention it’s a start but I think Recruitment would be a great help in these uncertain times 😏
Retention is more important than recruitment really.
Easiest move is to stop the cuts until new kit arrives. Gaps causes redundancy. Why stay when your units and mates are being cut.