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Cabinet changes that could affect HR

The prime ministers Cabinet reshuffle last week has thrown up some interesting changes for the HR industry.

James Purnell is secretary of state for work and pensions alongside ministers of state Tony McNulty and Rosie Winterton.

John Denham remains secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills. David Lammy and Lord Drayson will be ministers of state for innovation, universities and skills while Siôn Simon will be parliamentary undersecretary in the same department.

Other high-profile changes include the appointment of Peter Mandelson as secretary of state for business, enterprise and regulatory reform and Ed Miliband as secretary of state for energy and climate change.

Former pensions secretary Mike O'Brien has been made minister of state for energy and climate change.