New ministerial team welcomed to the Department for Work and Pensions
Iain Duncan Smith was welcomed back as the Secretary of State, alongside Lord Freud who continues as Minister for Welfare Reform.
They are joined by a new ministerial team including Priti Patel, Dr Ros Altmann and Justin Tomlinson.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith said:
It is a privilege to serve in the government, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to complete the vital welfare reforms that have already helped so many people back into work.
The completion of Universal Credit will ensure work always pays, and will improve the incomes of those on low salaries.
We’ve made real progress, but the job’s not done. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to finish it.
Minister for Employment, Priti Patel said:
Our long term economic plan is creating a better, more prosperous future for Britain, with a record number of people in employment and more women in work than ever before. Behind the statistics are countless stories of individual hard-work and determination – of people feeling more financially secure with a regular wage.
I want to continue to ensure our welfare reforms are giving people the skills and opportunities to move into work. Whether that’s work experience for young people to get their foot on the career ladder, the benefit cap encouraging people to get a job, or the Work Programme which is helping more people than any previous jobs scheme.
Minister for Pensions, Dr Ros Altmann said:
For many years it has been my ambition to make pensions work better for everyone and improve people’s later-life incomes. Up to now, that has been as an independent policy expert. I am delighted to now have the opportunity to make a difference from within government.
As our population ages, it is more important than ever to help, encourage and empower people to plan and prepare for their later years.
I will take forward work to bring in the new State Pension, help millions more to be enrolled into good quality workplace pension schemes, and safeguard new freedom and choice as to how people access their savings.
My priorities are clear: to strengthen British pensions, improve later life incomes, and protect the pensioners of today and tomorrow.
Minister for Welfare Reform, Lord Freud said:
Universal Credit is bringing welfare into the 21st century by restoring fairness to the system and making work pay in a modern labour market.
It is a privilege to be back in government, and to continue with our welfare reforms including the rollout of Universal Credit which is already transforming lives.
Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson said:
Disability is an issue which affects millions of people across the UK and it is a privilege to have been given the opportunity to challenge negative attitudes to disability in order to improve social and employment outcomes for disabled people.
This role gives me the chance to carry on the good work of the past 5 years, supporting more disabled people into employment, encouraging entrepreneurship, raising aspirations and making sure that disabled people have the same opportunities to realise their potential as non-disabled people.
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