Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

United Kingdom
Secretary of State
for Work and Pensions
Incumbent
Pat McFadden
since 5 September 2025
Department for Work and Pensions
Style
TypeMinister of the Crown
StatusSecretary of State
Member of
Reports toThe Prime Minister
SeatWestminster
NominatorThe Prime Minister
AppointerThe Monarch
(on the advice of the Prime Minister)
Term lengthAt His Majesty's Pleasure
Formation
  • 10 December 1916: (as Minister for Pensions)
  • 8 June 2001: (as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions)
First holderGeorge Barnes(as Minister for Pensions)
DeputyMinister of State for Employment
Salary£159,038 per annum (2022)
(including £86,584 MP salary)

The secretary of state for work and pensions, also referred to as the work and pensions secretary, is a secretary of state in the Government of the United Kingdom, with overall responsibility for the business of the Department for Work and Pensions. The incumbent is a member of the Cabinet of the United Kingdom.

The office holder works alongside the other work and pensions ministers. The corresponding shadow minister is the shadow secretary of state for work and pensions. The performance of the secretary of state is also scrutinised by the Work and Pensions Select Committee.

The office is currently held by Pat McFadden.