Press release: Department for Work and Pensions welcomes new ministerial team

The new team at the Department for Work and Pensions is:

Secretary of State – Rt Hon David Gauke MP
Minister of State for Employment – Damian Hinds MP
Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work – Penny Mordaunt MP
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Pensions and Financial Inclusion – Guy Opperman MP
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Family Support, Housing and Child Maintenance – Caroline Dinenage MP
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Lords) – Baroness Buscombe

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, David Gauke said:

It’s a privilege to be leading a department which touches the lives of so many people. The work we do here really matters, so I’m delighted to be leading a team of talented ministers committed to ensuring a welfare system which transforms lives and offers help to those who need it most.

I’d like to welcome Guy, Caroline and Peta, and welcome back Damian and Penny. Together we will work tirelessly to deliver fairness and opportunity for all, whatever people’s background or where they are from.

Minister for Employment, Damian Hinds said:

Our dedicated Jobcentre Plus teams and ground-breaking reforms like Universal Credit have contributed to record numbers of people getting back into, and staying in work.

This is great news but we want to go even further. I’m determined to build on this success and support more people into jobs as we aim towards full employment.

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Penny Mordaunt, said:

Disabled people face barriers in all aspects of their lives and we believe in a comprehensive approach to tackling them.

I’m very pleased to be returning to the role to continue this important work. We’ve made good progress, and with the support of the sector, businesses and wider society I am confident we can do even more. I look forward to working together with all those who are passionate about this agenda to stop discrimination and improve opportunities for everyone.

Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion, Guy Opperman said:

It is a privilege to have this opportunity to undertake a role promoting financial inclusion and helping people prepare for later life, with both a state and private pension.

Automatic enrolment has been a huge success and I look forward to our efforts to build on this.

Minister for Family Support, Housing and Child Maintenance, Caroline Dinenage said:

I’m committed to doing everything possible to support families to get on, have a secure place to live, and give their children the best start in life.

From making sure working parents can access good childcare, through to having the right support in place for families experiencing difficulties, I know how important these issues are in helping people to improve their lives and make the most of the opportunities available.

Lords Minister for Work and Pensions, Baroness Buscombe said:

The department plays a major role in helping to support people across Britain, and it is an honour to be their voice in the House of Lords.

I look forward to working with my colleagues across the department, and wider government, to ensure a sustainable welfare system which delivers vital help to the people who need it most.