Paras face 10% pay cut on return from Afghanistan

Military personnel could lose a £5-a-day danger payment as part of efforts to reduce costs by defence chiefs.

The army is to reduce the number of soldiers fully trained to parachute, meaning some will no longer qualify for the bonus payment.

As many as 4,000 personnel, some of whom are returning from active duty in Afghanistan, could be effected.

Up to 10 per cent could be cut from the wages of the lowest paid privates, which officers have warned is likely to have an effect on morale. One senior officer said: "These blokes have just got back from putting their lives on the line for their country."

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence said no decision had been taken on the extent of the change and pay would not drop for a year after any change.

She added: "Soldiers who remain fully trained to parachute will continue to receive specialist pay. Personnel will be informed as soon as these plans have been finalised."