The UK government has announced a new nationwide Digital ID scheme that will become mandatory for Right to Work checks by the end of the current Parliament
The digital ID will be free for UK citizens and legal residents and is being presented as a key part of the government’s plan to tackle illegal working, modernise public services, and strengthen border control.
Digital ID rollout
The primary objective of the Digital ID is to prevent individuals without legal immigration status from securing employment in the UK, which the government identifies as a significant “pull factor” contributing to hazardous Channel crossings. Authorities believe that removing access to employment will deter illegal migration, disrupt criminal gangs, and reduce the appeal of attempting to enter the UK unlawfully.
At the same time, the digital ID is being positioned as a tool for simplifying access to essential services. It will enable users to verify their identity quickly through a smartphone, eliminating the need for paper-based documents such as passports, driving licences, or utility bills. The government plans for the ID to be compatible with services such as tax records, driving licence applications, childcare, and welfare.
How the Digital ID scheme works
The digital ID will be stored securely on users’ phones, similar to how many people use the NHS App or mobile payment systems today. It will include key identifying information such as name, date of birth, nationality or residency status, and a photo to enable biometric verification. The government has promised to utilise state-of-the-art encryption and authentication technology to safeguard personal data.
If a device is lost or stolen, users will be able to quickly revoke and reissue their digital ID, which the government argues is safer than traditional physical IDs.
A new verification app for employers and landlords will also be rolled out, allowing instant ID checks to confirm someone’s legal right to work or rent in the UK.
Addressing inclusion and privacy concerns
While the scheme promises convenience and fraud prevention, concerns about privacy and civil liberties are already being raised. Civil rights groups and privacy advocates warn that a centralised Digital ID system could lead to surveillance, data breaches, and even accidental discrimination, particularly if errors occur in the system.
To address these concerns, the government plans to launch a public consultation later this year, with a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Special consideration will be given to individuals who are less digitally engaged, such as older adults, people experiencing homelessness, or those without access to smartphones.
The next steps
The scheme will require legislation, and while the government expects to build the system on its existing “One Login” infrastructure, political opposition may delay or reshape the plans. Several political parties and campaign groups are voicing resistance to the compulsory nature of the ID and the potential for abuse or systemic failure.
Despite this, the government remains committed to the rollout, presenting Digital ID as a long-overdue upgrade to public service access and a necessary step in addressing illegal working.
