Royal Fleet Auxiliary Personnel to Receive Pay Rise for Supporting Royal Navy Operations

Personnel of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), who play a crucial role in supporting Royal Navy operations worldwide, are set to benefit from a significant pay increase above inflation, along with enhanced working conditions. This comes after RFA seafarers and maritime trade unions approved a new pay offer.

The agreed pay package includes a 4.5% salary increase effective from 1 April 2025, followed by a 3.6% rise from 1 April 2026. Additionally, improvements to leave policies will enable RFA staff to accrue extra time off for periods spent at sea. This package also features a one-off leave buy-back arrangement and a £250 bonus payment.

Ministerial Support for RFA Personnel

During a visit to Portland Port on 28 July, Calvin Bailey MBE MP, the Minister for Veterans and People, expressed his support for the dedicated staff while meeting crews aboard RFA TIDESPRING and RFA MOUNTS BAY. He extended his gratitude to the personnel for their service, discussed the challenges facing the workforce, and learned about the RFA’s preparations for the future, including plans for crewing the Fleet Solid Support Ships.

From Portland, Minister Bailey remarked, “The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is an essential component of the Royal Navy, directly contributing to the UK’s national security through their vital operations worldwide. This agreement acknowledges the unique role that RFA members play within the Royal Navy, laying a robust foundation for the future as the organisation gears up to crew the next generation of support vessels.”

He also expressed appreciation to the Maritime Trade Unions for their role in achieving this resolution.

Details of the Pay Agreement

Both the RMT and Nautilus unions have confirmed that RFA seafarers have accepted the new pay offer. The RFA, a civilian-operated fleet owned by the Ministry of Defence, provides essential logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy. RFA personnel are responsible for delivering fuel, supplies, ammunition, and other critical support to UK and allied vessels globally, enabling Royal Navy ships to remain deployed and conduct operations effectively.

During the ministerial visit, the Minister toured RFA TIDESPRING, which had recently returned from a Carrier Strike Group deployment to the High North, and RFA MOUNTS BAY, which is preparing for forthcoming operations later in the year. RFA TIDESPRING, a Tide-class tanker, supports the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers as part of the UK Carrier Strike Group and was deployed with HMS Prince of Wales to the Indo-Pacific last year. Meanwhile, RFA MOUNTS BAY is integral to amphibious operations and exercises, ensuring that Royal Marines and their supplies can be delivered ashore wherever required.

Future Collaboration and Modernisation Efforts

In addition to accepting the pay offer, both maritime trade unions have committed to collaborating with the RFA on further modernisation initiatives. This includes exploring opportunities to enhance leave entitlements for seafarers and developing remuneration structures that better reflect the unique nature of RFA service.

This agreement is a part of the Government’s broader strategy to enhance recruitment, retention, and working conditions within Defence. Measures include a third consecutive above-inflation pay rise, totalling 14.1% since July 2024, a £9.2 billion Defence Housing Strategy aimed at modernising service accommodation, a new wraparound childcare scheme that can save eligible families up to £6,000 annually, and the appointment of the first Armed Forces Commissioner.

The new agreement is anticipated to bolster recruitment and retention within the RFA, ensuring that the organisation is well-positioned to meet future operational requirements, including the crewing of the Fleet Solid Support Ships that will assist the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group and its global missions.