Defence force to get 12pc pay rise

It is hoped a pay rise for Defence Force staff will help address retention and recruitment problems.

From July, thousands will receive a pay increase of between 10 and 12 per cent.

Brigadier Mark Wheeler says the rise is not a silver bullet but in a tight labour market, it is one of a range of measures that should ensure staff want to stay in the services.

He says the Defence Force has been reviewing remuneration for the past couple of years and the money will come from the Defence funding package and from efficiencies that have been freed up from baseline activities.

National MP Wayne Mapp says the increase was needed after last year's unsatisfactory pay increase of a $1,000 across-the-board payment, which was insulting and was more likely to make people leave than stay.

Mr Mapp says the latest rise is significant as there would not be many sectors getting that kind of hike.

- NEWSTALK ZB