(10 March 2010) In addition to acceptance of the AFPRB recommendations, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has also announced today an increase to the Operational Allowance or "bonus" given to deployed personnel in operational locations such as Afghanistan.

to £2,640 over a standard six-month tour, up from £2,380. This represents an increase of about 11 per cent, and is not part of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body measures.

The 2010 report of the Armed Forces' Pay Review Body (AFPRB) has been published today which will see all ranks up to Brigadier and equivalents receive a 2.0 per cent pay increase.

Separately, the MOD has agreed with Her Majesty's Treasury to increase the Operational Allowance by £1.43 per day to £14.51 per day for a six-month deployment.

The Government has accepted the recommendations of the AFPRB in full, which are to be implemented from 1 April 2010. Individuals will therefore see the impact of the award in their April pay statements.

In addition to the 2.0 per cent pay increase, the AFPRB also recommended targeted measures, including the introduction of several new Financial Retention Incentives in specific ranks or trades.

• Full article from MoD: Armed Forces pay to increase by two per cent