Government backtracks on Digital ID Requirements

The government has backtracked on plans to require workers to register with its new digital ID programme to prove their right to work in the UK.

While right-to-work checks will still be carried out digitally by 2029, such as by using biometric passports, registering for a digital ID will be optional.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that mandatory digital right-to-work checks will be brought in to help crack down on illegal working, but that the digital ID will be just one way that a worker could use to prove their eligibility to work.

The idea of compulsory digital IDs had proved unpopular with nearly three million people signing a parliamentary petition to oppose their introduction.

Details on exactly how the digital ID will work are not yet available. Many expect it to be based on the Gov.uk One Login and the yet to be launched Gov.uk Wallet.

In the meantime, it’s already possible to use government-certified digital verification services to do passport checks on British and Irish citizens. The Home Office also provides an online service for verifying the status of non-British or Irish citizens where the individual’s immigration status is held electronically. 

If you’re unsure of how this might affect you, or even if you’re planning to recruit this year, we’d strongly recommend that you have solid and practical HR advice on speed dial! The Digital ID requirements might not be becoming mandatory now, but there are still plenty of HR changes coming down the line that could cause businesses problems. the only way to be sure that you’re safe is to have an advisor who’s looking out for your interests.

If you already have that set up, that’s great, but if you’re not sure that you have someone who’ll keep you up to date as these changes come in, or who’ll fight your corner if the need arises, then please take some steps to find someone as soon as possible.

If you need an introduction please get in touch.