Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Paragraph: 35
The Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces have made a vital contribution to the...
Conclusion
The Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces have made a vital contribution to the UK’s management of the coronavirus pandemic. This crisis has served to highlight once again the unique flexibility and versatility of our Armed Forces. We express our gratitude to the men and women of the Armed Forces for the vital role they have played in the national response to the pandemic. While Defence has deliberately played a ‘humble’ role throughout, this contribution must be explicitly recognised, perhaps through the creation of a formal award and through the Armed Forces pay settlement.
Paragraph Reference:
35
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government recognises the vital and effective contribution to the UK’s pandemic response made by uniformed and civilian Defence personnel. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a unique national challenge, and Defence personnel have supported wherever and however required across the United Kingdom; a testament to their commitment and dedication. Their contribution has been experienced in every region of the UK and across a range of vital tasks, from supporting the NHS to assisting with the vaccine rollout. Support to the COVID-19 pandemic response remains a top priority for Defence, and Defence personnel remain ready to assist where required and will continue to do so for as long as necessary. In addition to Defence’s support to the UK pandemic response, Defence has successfully maintained its core and most important outputs throughout the crisis, reacting with agility and flexibility to mitigate the risks posed by COVID-19. The Government recognises the wider contribution made by all uniformed and civilian Defence personnel throughout this challenging time, in defending the Nation. Recommendations on the base pay of uniformed and civilian Defence personnel is provided by the Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body, the Senior Salaries Review Body, and public sector pay guidance set by HM Treasury. Defence is bound by the Government’s public sector pay pause and the requirement to be cognisant of the unique challenges facing the economy of the UK and the pressure on the public finances following the unprecedented and world-leading financial support packages that the have been established during the pandemic. Where there have been significant civilian individual and team contributions to the pandemic response, these have been and will continue to be recognised through in-year performance pay awards for exceptional performance. The question of COVID-19 (Operation Rescript) medallic recognition is currently being led by the Cabinet Office and no further details are available at the time of writing.