Royal Fleet Auxiliary Mariners Secure Above-Inflation Pay Deal

Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) personnel will receive above-inflation pay increases and improved leave benefits after maritime trade unions accepted a new agreement with the UK government aimed at supporting recruitment and retention across the civilian-crewed fleet.

The deal includes a 4.5% pay rise effective from April 1, 2025, followed by a 3.6% increase from April 1, 2026. It also introduces enhanced leave arrangements that allow RFA personnel to earn additional time off for periods spent at sea, a one-off leave buy-back scheme, and a £250 one-time payment.

The agreement was welcomed by Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey during a