The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith has unveiled his new ministerial team.
Esther McVey has become Minister of State for Employment and Mike Penning has joined the Department as Minister of State for Disabled People.
They will work alongside Steve Webb, who remains as Minister of State for Pensions, and Lord Freud as Minister for Welfare Reform.
Iain Duncan Smith said:
"We have a strong team in place at DWP to continue to deliver our important reforms which are bringing back fairness to the welfare system. I very much look forward to working with Esther and Mike in their respective new roles.
I’d also like to thank Mark Hoban for all his work as Minister for Employment. Mark was a valued and successful member of my team who worked hard to strengthen the Work Programme which is now helping thousands of the hardest to help people find lasting work."
Minister of State for Employment, Esther McVey, said:
"My priority has been, and will continue to be, making sure people have the right help and support to get into and stay in work.
We have already improved the help available through schemes like the Work Programme, and we are bringing in more intensive support for the long-term unemployed. I also want to make sure young people who work hard receive all the support they need."
Minister of State for Disabled People, Mike Penning, said:
"It’s great to be back working with Iain Duncan Smith at this crucial time delivering important welfare reforms. Disabled people aspire to the same opportunities as everyone else, and I want to continue Esther’s work to support disabled people to live fulfilling lives.
Making this a senior ministerial post shows the government’s commitment to disabled people and ensuring everyone can get on in life."
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