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<p>The new Pay 16 structure was specifically established in response to Service personnel
criticisms of the old pay model. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has developed the new
pay model as a simpler, more transparent system which provides Service personnel with
greater pay predictability. It addresses some of the concerns about the previous pay
model reported by personnel through both the Service Complaints system and the Armed
Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS) and in feedback from the Armed Forces Pay
Review Body (AFPRB). I fully expect these changes to be positive for morale overall.</p><p>Many
personnel will experience an increase in pay as a result of the new pay model, and
no one will take a cut in core pay on implementation. We have taken steps to ensure
that personnel are aware of the range and nature of the pay reforms that began on
1 April 2016 and comprehensive internal communications activity has been undertaken
to explain the changes. This included Departmental guidance to help personnel understand
their new pay statement and any changes. Personnel, including those under pay protection,
continue to remain eligible for any Government-approved pay award. Pay protection
has been put in place to ensure that no one will take a pay cut on implementation
of Pay 16 and this arrangement will exist for at least the first three years to ensure
that no one is disadvantaged.</p><p>The new pay model is not designed as a cost saving
exercise, but is a rebalancing of pay to make more efficient and effective use of
the Armed Forces pay bill; the AFPRB will continue to recommend pay rates for all
personnel. As we go forward the Service Complaints Process and AFCAS will be primary
sources which inform our assessment of the benefits realised through the pay reforms.
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