LONDON, March 2 (UPI) -- The British government has announced a 9.2 percent pay raise for more than 13,000 low rank service men and women.
Defense Secretary Des Brown said in a statement the raise was a reflection of his commitment to ensuring the servicemen got the needed support and recognition they deserved for the tremendous work they do.
"Today's decision recognizes the superb work done by all our Armed Forces, wherever they serve," Brown said Thursday.
The raise, which would increase the monthly paychecks of the military men and women by about $196 (100 pounds), represents the biggest "for four years and the highest of the public sector increases announced Thursday," according to the Defense Ministry.
This raise is part of the 2007 "Armed Forces Pay Review Body Award" and would come into effect on the April 1. Senior officers who are major-generals or equivalent would receive a 2 percent increase in line with overall public sector pay increases.
These increases are in addition to a new tax free operational bonus introduced in October 2006 giving special recognition to those serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans.
