Armed forces paralysed as drastic shortages of soldiers, sailors and aviators hinders the country's fighting ability, minister admits

The Armed Forces are being paralysed by drastic shortages of soldiers, sailors and aviators, a minister has admitted.

James Heappey conceded that the shortages – which have almost doubled in five years – are affecting the country's fighting ability.

It has emerged that there are shortages in 183 trades across the Armed Forces, including 61 areas where the shortages are 'acute'. These areas, known as 'operational pinch points', include the Royal Marines, and among naval engineers and cyber warfare specialists.

In 2018 there were only 102 trades with staffing shortages.

Mr Heappey told the Commons defence committee: 'We've got to do some pretty urgent work to fill some of these pinch points because they are limiting what we can do with the force, as long as we are carrying the gaps that we are. This is a real concern. It is challenging, even before you get into pay and conditions.'

He added: 'Partner militaries in Nato are also struggling to recruit too.'

In addition, Mr Heappey told MPs that the Armed Forces were being stretched beyond capacity. 'The force is working incredibly hard – all three service chiefs have said so,' he said.

'We are asking more of the force right now than it is designed to deliver, nobody is disputing that.'

The defence minister was speaking after the Mail revealed how the Paras have been forced to offer £7,500 golden handshake deals to try to entice soldiers. The unprecedented bonus – of a third of their annual wages – reflects the urgency of defence chiefs to preserve the UK's rapid reaction forces.

A memo seen by the Mail referred to a 'one-off incentive' to junior troops from other regiments that was intended to address a 'Para workforce deficit'.