Proteus serves as a launch platform for remotely-operated vehicles and specialised tools. Credit: Montreuxconvention/commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons).

The UK Ministry of Defence has announced a forthcoming pay rise for eligible Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) staff for the fiscal year (FY) 2024/25.  

This increase is part of an agreement that includes modernisation and reform of the RFA’s working terms and conditions.  

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The deal, endorsed by the RMT and Nautilus Union, acknowledges the RFA’s role in supporting Royal Navy operations.  

It is also paired with broader reforms to the organisation, covering working terms and conditions. 

The reforms are expected to enhance the RFA’s employee proposition and ensure the organisation’s capability to continue its support work.  

UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard visited RFA Proteus to gain firsthand insight into what is said to be the UK’s first underwater infrastructure surveillance vessel.  

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Proteus serves as a launch platform for remotely-operated vehicles and specialised tools, monitoring waters that are noted to be crucial to UK interests, similar to oil and gas industry operations.  

Luke Pollard said: “We welcome the agreement on this pay award. The RFA makes a vital contribution to keeping the UK secure at home and strong abroad, not least our colleagues on the RFA Proteus who I had the privilege of visiting today. 

“They excel at supporting our armed forces around the world and it’s only right that they are recognised for their work. The pay award represents the first step towards a wider Recovery Programme to ensure current and future seafarers are best supported. This is yet more evidence that our new government is delivering for defence.” 

This comes against the backdrop of the UK government’s decision to disband the Royal Navy’s amphibious assault ships, transferring responsibilities to the less equipped vessels of the civilian-led RFA.  

Furthermore, the anticipated multi-role strike ship is not expected to be operational before 2033, marking a capability gap following the retirement of the amphibious assault fleet.