The UK government has abandoned plans to make digital ID mandatory for all workers to prove their right to work. Instead, existing checks, like biometric passports, will be fully moved online by 2029.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Labour, saying Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer seems “clueless” and lacks direction. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the U-turn shows the government needs to explain its policies more clearly and show why they matter to the public.
This is the latest in a series of recent policy reversals, including inheritance tax on farmland and business rates for pubs. Speaking in Parliament, Badenoch called the original digital ID plan “rubbish” and warned that Labour could face more U-turns on other controversial policies.
Prime Minister Starmer defended his government, pointing to past Conservative mismanagement, and said that tackling illegal work remains a priority. He confirmed that checks will still be mandatory and digital, even if the approach has changed.
From Immigration Control to Public Service Benefits
The original plan focused on stopping illegal work by immigrants. Now, the government says digital ID will also make it easier for people to access public services.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said moving checks online will help authorities track illegal employment better. She explained that the current paper-based system is messy and hard to enforce.
Former Home Secretary Lord David Blunkett added that the government never clearly explained why digital ID was needed or how it would work, which helped fuel public opposition.
Support for the digital ID plan dropped after the announcement, falling from just over half of the public in June to less than a third. Almost three million people have signed a petition against it, and some Labour MPs were uneasy about the compulsory nature of the proposal.
Reactions from Across Politics
Labour MPs expressed frustration at repeated U-turns. One called it “an absolute car crash.” The Liberal Democrats said the scheme was “doomed to fail” and suggested the money be spent on the NHS and frontline policing instead. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage welcomed the change as a win for personal freedom, and Green Party leader Zack Polanski praised the U-turn.
A government spokesperson said digital right-to-work checks are still important. They explained that the current system is inconsistent, paper-heavy, and open to fraud. Digital IDs will make everyday life easier and public services more connected while remaining inclusive.
Employers already have to check if someone can work in the UK. Since 2022, British and Irish passport holders can be verified online. Certain non-British and Irish citizens can also be checked through the Home Office digital system.
The new digital ID will likely use two government platforms: Gov.uk One Login and Gov.uk Wallet. Over 12 million people already use One Login for things like managing passports or veteran cards. Gov.uk Wallet, not yet launched, will let users store digital IDs on their phones.
Digital IDs will include basic information like name, date of birth, nationality, residence status, and a photo, helping make work and public service checks simpler and more secure
