UK Ministry of Defence, Defence Minister Derek Twigg today gave his reaction to the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee report on recruitment and retention in the Armed Forces.
Under Secretary of State Derek Twigg said:
“We welcome the Public Accounts Committee report and will look at the recommendations and respond to them fully in due course. We will consider the report carefully, however, there are a number of points that I want to make in advance of a more detailed response.
“The Government recognises that the current high tempo of operations is putting pressure on our people, but they are responding magnificently and I thank them for that. Since this Committee heard evidence last November, the Chief of Defence Staff himself has said that the Armed Forces are very stretched but can sustain what they are currently doing. With the drawdown of troops in Bosnia, Northern Ireland and the reductions already made possible in Iraq, some of the pressure should soon start to ease.
“I accept that there are manning challenges and shortages in some specific areas, but we are taking action. We have a Service Personnel Plan to deal with key issues affecting recruitment and retention, and we are adjusting our policies accordingly.
“The significant steps we have taken include the recently increased Operational Bonus of £2,320, the pay rise of 9.2 per cent for junior rank – the biggest rise in the public sector, Financial Retention Initiatives, and the Rebalancing Lives Schemes, all of which seek to improve working lives and help us recruit the right people. I am committed to ensuring their our efforts in these areas will result in future improvements in recruitment and retention.
“Recent independently verified manning statistics show that recruitment into the Armed Forces remains strong against a buoyant economy, particularly for the Army Infantry. The latest Army figures show a 12 per cent increase in Army recruits since last year. The National Audit Office report last year highlighted that the Armed Forces have recruited 98% of their target since 2000. It is not the case that there are increasing shortages of personnel. In 1997 there was a 4.2% shortage compared with today's figure of 3%. It is also inaccurate to say that more people are leaving and that we are experiencing a “peak” in outflow. The number of people leaving has remained broadly stable and compares favourably with the retention rates in the public and private sector.
“It's important to recognise that future restructuring plans aim to deliver improved capability and flexibly in our Armed Forces and will mean that we need fewer people. We are working hard to ensure that current or improved rates of recruitment and retention will meet future requirements.
“Our Armed Forces have magnificently risen to the challenge. I want to re-emphasise that the Government is committed to listening to our people, responding to their concerns and recognising and rewarding their considerable talents and efforts.”
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