A key player in a scheme that supports disabled people at work has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

Rilesh Jadeja, 58, was awarded an OBE for services to people with disabilities as part of his work for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

Mr Jadeja, who lives in Harrow, has led the DWP’s Access to Work scheme for the past six years.

This programme supports disabled people at work by contributing towards the cost of reasonable adjustments.

He said: “I am very surprised indeed, but very pleased that the honour pertains to services to people with disabilities. I love my job and to be rewarded in this way is truly humbling.”

The DWP, which saw 18 of its staff named on the Honours list, expressed great pride in the fact that many had been recognised for “making a real difference” to people’s day to day lives.