Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Armed Forces Personnel figures published on 22 March 2023, what steps his Department is taking to (a) improve the working conditions and (b) retain personnel in the armed forces.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is examining our Service personnel's terms and conditions under the 'Haythornthwaite Review of Armed Forces Incentivisation'. This review builds on significant modernisation and improvement to working conditions which has already been made in recent years, including the expansion of flexible working policies and the introduction of wraparound childcare.

The MOD recognises that reforming and enhancing our working conditions also improves retention by expanding further on our already strong offer. Measures to attract and retain personnel include a competitive salary, a non-contributary pension (the last such major scheme in the public sector), subsidised accommodation, a range of allowances on top of basic salary, strong career and progression prospects, and training and development opportunities.