UK Announces Plans For Digital ID Cards to Tackle Illegal Work
The UK government has announced plans to roll out a mandatory digital ID system for Right to Work checks by the end of the current Parliament. Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the move will “make it tougher to work illegally in this country” and help secure the borders, while also making it easier for citizens to access services like tax records, driving licences, and childcare. The ID will be stored on smartphones, much like a contactless bank card or the NHS App.
The digital ID will serve as official proof of identity and residency, containing personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, and a photograph. While the government insists it won’t be mandatory to carry or show the ID on demand, people will need it to start a new job or rent a home, effectively making it a requirement for most adults in the UK. The ID will be issued free of charge to anyone entitled to live or work in the country, whether British-born or not.
The plan is part of Labour’s broader “Plan for Change,” aiming to crack down on illegal working, stop forged documents, and deter migrants from making dangerous crossings with false promises of employment. Officials say the digital system will also create better data to help the Home Office take action against rogue employers. A public consultation is expected later this year, with plans to include support for those who don’t have smartphones or access to digital tech.
However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil liberties groups. The Liberal Democrats warned against making digital ID “mandatory for daily life,” and human rights group Liberty said the scheme “would exclude the most vulnerable members of our society.” Others raised concerns about privacy and the security of storing so much sensitive data in a centralised system, which could become a target for cyberattacks.
Despite the backlash, Starmer remains firm. “Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK,” he said. “It will offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove your identity to access key services swiftly - rather than hunting around for an old utility bill.” While the final details are still under consultation, the government says inclusion and data protection will be central to the scheme’s design.
