Military heroes are given a pay rise by after helping in UK's war against coronavirus

Soldiers, sailors and airmen will all receive an above-inflation two per cent increase in wages, defence secretary Ben Wallace announced today.

The Tory chief said the increase in pay was in recognition of the vital work by armed forces personnel to defend the UK.

Announcing the hike, Mr Wallace said: ‘Our people do vital work every day to protect this country and I’m pleased armed forces personnel will receive a recommended two per cent pay rise this year.

‘Whether through serving abroad or supporting public services during the coronavirus pandemic at home, this pay increase is a recognition of their hard work and dedication.’

This new award will bring the total pay rise over the last three years to seven per cent, and increase starting salaries for an officer by £545; £634 for a Corporal and £400 for a newly trained soldier, sailor or air man or woman.

As a result, the basic pay for other ranks on completion of their initial training will now be £20,400 and the average salary for a Corporal will be £32,797.

Stephen Morgan, Labour’s shadow armed forces minister and Portsmouth South MP, has, however, criticised the government and said it should have gone further with its pay increase.

‘The pay rise offered to our troops by the government is far lower than that given to other public sector workers on equal standing. This adds insult to injury after the Tories delayed their pay award for two years running,’ he said.

‘Going above and beyond amid Covid-19 and continuing to keep us safe on overseas operations, is this really how the government thinks troops should be rewarded?

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‘At a time when the government is continually missing its recruitment targets and is haemorrhaging personnel due to lagging morale, this goes beyond letting down our forces personnel and poses a genuine threat to our national security.’

Personnel will see the 2020/21 rise implemented in their September pay packets and backdated to April 2020.

The award comes in addition to the non-contributory pension and access to incremental pay progression.

Former defence secretary Penny Mordaunt added recruitment was at a healthy level, with recent figures exceeding expectation.

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