The Government has confirmed plans to introduce a nationwide digital ID system by 2029, making it the new standard for right-to-work checks.
Unlike traditional ID cards, individuals are not required to carry a digital ID or produce it on demand. However, employers must verify digital IDs instead of relying on passports or paper documents. Failure to comply with right-to-work rules can already result in fines of up to £45,000.
Digital credentials will be stored on smartphones in the same way as contactless payment cards or the NHS App. If a phone is lost or stolen, the Government says credentials can be revoked and reissued immediately, offering greater security than physical documents.
The system will hold an individual’s name, date of birth, nationality or residency status, and photo for biometric security. It will form part of a wider digital wallet project, including launching a digital driving licence this autumn.
Ministers argue that the digital ID will help curb illegal migration, strengthen border security, and crack down on the hidden economy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the plan “an enormous opportunity for the UK”, adding that it will make it harder to work illegally and easier for citizens to prove their identity when accessing services.
However, privacy groups, opposition parties, and devolved administrations, particularly in Northern Ireland, have voiced concerns, raising questions about safeguards for the digitally excluded.
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