The Ministry of Finance and Planning has stated that the full effects of the Government’s pay harmonisation framework will begin to reflect in December salaries.

The Ministry said attendance-based benefits and allowances are calculated from the 16th of each month to the 15th of the following month. As a result, the pay harmonisation changes and salary increases introduced on 1 November will be fully realised in the December pay cycle.

Under salary calculation rules, the pay received for October covers the period from 16 to 31 October and includes allowances and benefits for that period. Allowances and benefits applicable from 1 November are calculated for the period from 1 to 15 November. This means that the November salary reflects only part of the allowances and benefits under the new pay framework.

The Ministry noted that if any employee receives a lower salary because of the transition to the State pay framework, a migration allowance will be provided in line with the Migration Allowance Framework introduced by the Pay Commission.

The State pay framework is designed to replace the previous system where agencies used overtime payments to bring employees’ salaries up to a certain level. The Ministry said the new approach encourages a culture of making better use of working hours.

The Ministry also stated that the changes are expected to improve work-life balance, increase employee income, and help build a healthier society.

The Government’s pay harmonisation policy came into effect on 1 November, extending salary increases to civil servants, judiciary staff and local councils as part of efforts to align pay across all State institutions.