Is Pay 2000 being introduced to cut costs?

No. The first principle of the new system is that you will move from your current rate of pay to one that is either equal to it or higher on the Pay 2000 structure. No one will have a pay cut on transfer to the new system.

Is there a higher and lower pay table?

The difference between the highest and lowest whole trade score (WTS) at each rank is so great that more than one range is needed for a fair remuneration package for all.

Why has the RN moved away from 'all of one company' (AOOC)?

The wide spread of WTS showed that some trades have significantly weightier jobs in JE terms that others, which means that the AOOC principle is no longer sustainable. The AFPRB is finding it increasingly difficult to deliver pay which is 'broadly comparable' with civilian counterparts while the Navy pays its people under AOOC.

Can someone be in the higher range at one rank and in a lower range at another rank within the same Armed Service?

Yes. There are some trades where JE suggests that they should be in the higher range at one rank and in the lower range at another rank, reflecting changes in role and job weight.

How many increments are there in each range for ratings and RM other ranks?

There are nine at AB, Marine, L/Cpl, CPO, CCPO, CSgt and WO2; seven at leading hand, Cpl, PO, RM Sgt , WO and WO1.

Why nine increments at some ranks and seven at others?

It reflects the complexity of JE scores at these ranks and ensures no one suffers because of differences in the rank structures of the three Services - for example, Navy personnel cannot become WO2s, although personnel in the RM and Army can. It also takes into account the average time in rank for all three Services.

How will people move up the increments?

All will be able to move up the increments annually, normally starting from Level 1 in each rank. However, when someone has spent a long time in a rank they may, on promotion, move on to a higher level to ensure a pay rise on promotion. Annual progression will continue from that level.

How is incremental progress monitored?

An incremental basic date (IBD) will be calculated and held on the pay computer record for each individual on transition to Pay 2000. The IBD will be the key date from which entitlement to increment levels of pay is determined. It will normally be the effective date of promotion (seniority date) and will be used to determine future incremental progression.

How does someone qualify for annual increments?

They are based on three criteria: experience in rank, qualifications and satisfactory performance. Progression will be barred in some instances until attainment of a qualification - for example, PE for higher rate or achieving OPS. There will be opportunities to gain accelerated incremental progression (AIP) as a reward for early achievement of qualifications.

How can people gain accelerated incremental progression?

Up to 24 months' AIP can be awarded during a rating's career. A minimum of three months and a maximum of 12 can be awarded at any one time. Branch managers in the Directorate of Naval Man-power have allocated AIP to support their branch structures, and details are published in the updated BR1950.

What happens when someone reaches the top of a range without being promoted?

They will stay on the top increment and still receive the annual pay award on April 1 each year.

What happens if the pay rise on promotion places someone on the next range at a higher point than the bottom incremental level?

This may happen, for instance where a trade is in a higher range at a lower rank and in a lower range at the next higher rank. In these cases the individual will be placed on the relevant increment on the next range which ensures a minimum two per cent rise on promotion.

Further incremental progression will be in accordance with normal criteria - experience, skill and satisfactory performance.

What happens if the pay rise on promotion places someone above the highest increment in the next range?

They will be placed on a specially determined rate of pay which is calculated by applying the two per cent rise on promotion to the existing rate of pay.

What will be the rules for those rated Local Acting?

Very similar to those for substantive promotion, with a minimum of a two per cent rise. Time spent in Local Acting rank (or Acting for RM) will count for incremental progression in the substantive rank when relinquished.

Are there intentions to introduce performance related pay?

No, However, the requirement for people to achieve a satisfactory level of performance to merit pay-level progression is considered entirely appropriate and has received widespread support.

What arrangements are being made to transfer those already serving on to the new pay system?

Everyone will move to the incremental point on the appropriate range which is equal to, or immediately above, their current rate of pay. No one will take a cut in pay and many will receive a slight increase.

Those who move across to a higher incremental point than that to which they are entitled under the progression criteria will remain at that point until fully qualified to move up.

Those who move to a level equal to or lower than their seniority will progress on the anniversary of their promotion.

If someone's current basic pay (and LSP) is higher than the top incremental level for their rank, they will receive a specially determined rate.

Will it be possible to tell the difference between that part of pay under the new system and that resulting from the AFPRB pay award?

Yes. April's pay will be based on the current pay rates converted into Pay 2000 rates. May's pay will include the 2001 pay award with back pay to April 1. This clearly will show everyone the effect of moving to the new system.

Will pensions be affected?

Pensions will continue to be based on a representative rate of pay for rank and length of service.

However, the point on the current pay scales used now to set representative rates of pay will no longer be appropriate, and work is going on to select new ones within Pay 2000. Nonetheless, an individual's pension will not be less than under the current arrangements.