House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Armed Forces Workforce
09 June 2026 · Ministry of Defence
Proposed by John Healey Lab Wentworth and Dearne
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Armed Forces' Pay Review Body's recommendations for a 3.6% pay rise have been accepted.
- The pay increase for all members of the Armed Forces takes effect from April 2026.
- This decision aims to address recruitment and retention challenges in the military.
Issue summary
The statement announces the acceptance of the Armed Forces' Pay Review Body's recommendations for a 3.6% pay rise for all members effective from April 2026.
Action requested
The government is implementing a 3.6% pay increase for Armed Forces personnel, reflecting its commitment to addressing recruitment and retention challenges. This decision supports the ongoing effort to improve military morale and retain service personnel through better remuneration and support measures.
Key facts
- The pay rise of 3.6% will be backdated to 1 April 2026.
- Most personnel have received a cumulative pay award of 14.1% since April 2024, with an average annual salary now at £45,710.
- The total Armed Forces strength stands at 182,050 as of the year ending 31 December 2025.
- Satisfaction with Service life has improved by three percentage points to 45% since last year.
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