Armed Forces Personnel 2021-03-15
2021-03-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Defence monitors service personnel satisfaction levels through the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey, covering housing and salaries.
What recent assessment has been made of the level of satisfaction among armed forces personnel with military (a) housing and (b) salaries?
Defence regularly monitors several metrics to gauge service personnel satisfaction levels, including for accommodation and pay, via the armed forces continuous attitude survey.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assessment figures or details on housing and salaries not provided
No Concrete Data Was Given
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Army personnel have contributed significantly in the fight against the pandemic but face a pay freeze, impacting retention. Government studies indicate low pay is one factor causing people to leave.
Why was Dominic Cummings awarded a huge pay rise while armed forces personnel are not deemed worthy of a raise despite their significant contributions during the COVID-19 crisis?
No; I do not have responsibility for the Prime Minister's advisers, clearly. On satisfaction around pay, I am clear that pay is one of the reasons that people stay in the military. If the hon. Member looks forward to the integrated review, we will be looking to announce a direction of travel on this matter in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
No explanation for Cummings' pay rise and no specific commitment regarding future actions
Deflected Responsibility
Hedged On Specifics
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Four in ten serving personnel do not believe their pay reflects the work they do, indicating significant dissatisfaction.
Why does only four in ten serving personnel think that the pay they receive reflects the work they do?
The crushing irony of our people who work in Scotland having to pay more in tax and therefore take home less pay and the hon. Gentleman raising this point is not lost on those who serve. Pay is a one of a number of factors that people speak about when the armed forces continuous attitude survey comes through. It is by no means the primary factor. We are constantly reviewing it and I am comfortable that we offer a world-class package to our people.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why pay does not reflect work done
Deflected Onto Tax Differences
Hedged On Specific Factors
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The integrated review is expected to address issues of personnel satisfaction, particularly concerning pay freezes.
When the integrated review is published tomorrow, will it contain something—anything at all—to reverse the trend on satisfaction given everything the armed forces have done during the pandemic?
Let me be clear: this will be the first strategic review to have a specific address to our people. They are our finest asset. They are rewarded not only financially but through the choice of career on offer to them. I encourage the hon. Gentleman to read that when it comes out and I am more than happy to have a conversation with him after that.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if review includes measures for satisfaction or apology for pay freeze
Changed Subject
Encouraged Future Discussion
Response accuracy