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. Bailey said the package recognizes the RFA’s critical role in supporting Royal Navy operations worldwide and provides a foundation for the fleet as it prepares to crew the next generation of Fleet Solid Support Ships. “The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is a vital part of the Royal Navy and contributes directly to the UK’s national security through their crucial work across the world,” Bailey said. The latest agreement follows a landmark deal reached in January 2025, when Royal Fleet Auxiliary officers accepted an above-inflation pay offer after one of the longest industrial disputes in the service’s history.