The position was introduced in 1974 during Palme I cabinet and abolished in 1998 under the Persson cabinet, when the responsibilities were transferred to the Ministry of Industry, Employment and Communications, where from 1998 to 2002, the deputy minister for industry, employment and communications and from 2002 to 2006, the minister for employment were ministers responsible for the issues.

These ministerial titles varied, and most often covered only a part of the minister's responsibilities, usually the dominant area of focus.

For example, Anna-Greta Leijon served not only as the minister for immigration but also held responsibility for labor law issues[2] and matters concerning disabled individuals in the workplace.

Karin Andersson, as the deputy minister of employment, was responsible for gender equality and immigration issues,[3] a combination that has recurred in later times.

[4] Before the establishment of the Ministry of Employment, many matters were handled within the Ministry of the Interior, where individuals such as Camilla Odhnoff were responsible for immigration and family affairs, including gender equality.