Tony Blair’s recent cabinet reshuffle has brought Alan Johnson, former minister for employment relations, back into the spotlight on work-related issues.

Johnson has been appointed secretary of state for work and pensions and is the first former union leader in 40 years to become a cabinet minister.

Recruiters will welcome the appointment because of his bold stance against the proposed Agency Workers Directive.

Johnson moves to his new post from his role as minister of state for lifelong learning, further and higher education.

As former joint general secretary of the Communications Workers Union, Johnson has won the support of both the unions and New Labour. He is known to be a loyal Blair supporter and had been tipped for promotion for some time.

Johnson’s first public task in his new role was to address the Trades Union Congress conference last week, where he pledged to increase the amount people are able to save towards retirement.