Public Servant Lifestyle

In a historic move British soldiers in the Brigade of Gurkhas - which has existed as an active part of the British Army in one form or another since 1815 - are to have access to the same pensions as the rest of the Army for the first time.

The Gurkhas already enjoy the same pay and tax benefits as the wider Army, but this new move will mean serving Gurkhas - and those who retired on or after 1 July 1997 - will have the opportunity to transfer from their Gurkha Pension Scheme to the main Armed Forces Pension Scheme.

Mr Twigg - Under Secretary of State for Defence and Veterans Minister - announced that the significant improvements to the terms and conditions of service for Gurkhas will bring them in line with the rest of the British Army.

Gurkhas who have served for at least five years will have the opportunity to transfer to other units within the wider Army to pursue their chosen career path. They will also have the same leave entitlements as the rest of the Army.

In addition, work is now underway to see how woman can be recruited into the Brigade of Gurkhas for the first time. This announcement follows a far-reaching review of Gurkha terms and conditions of service. All ranks in the Brigade of Gurkhas will benefit from the new measures.

Equality

Derek Twigg said: “This is the right thing to do. As a Government, we have continually sought to ensure equality amongst our workforce here in the UK and I’m delighted to announce it...The improved terms and conditions of service will form the basis for continued Gurkha service in the British Army, which is made possible by the long-standing and friendly relations between the Governments and peoples of the United Kingdom and Nepal.”

The Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, said: “This is a historic day for the Brigade of Gurkhas. I am delighted that serving Gurkhas will have the same terms and conditions of service as their counterparts in the wider Army. Their contribution to operations around the world has been and will continue to be a major contribution to Britain’s Defence commitments.”

The Colonel Commandment of the Brigade of Gurkhas, Lieutenant General Sir Philip Trousdell, said: “I welcome the results of the review and the positive outcome that it delivers for the Brigade of Gurkhas. It meets the needs and aspirations of the modern Gurkha soldier based n the UK, Brunei and Nepal, and those currently deployed on operations. The review will ensure that the Brigade continues to contribute effectively to current and future operations whilst maintaining its unique characteristics.”

Nepalese Citizens

The British Army and Government have worked closely with the Government of Nepal to ensure that they were content with these changes to the terms and conditions of service. They have welcomed these changes. Gurkhas will still be recruited in Nepal and serve as Nepalese citizens within the British Army.

For more information on The Brigade of Gurkhas and issues surrounding this unique part of the British Army, the following links may be useful:

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