What Could The UK’s New Digital ID Scheme Mean For Employment?

The UK Government recently announced its intention to perform digital right to work checks via digital ID cards in an effort to crack down on illegal employment, particularly with regards to immigration. The effort is also intended to improve access to public services and help standardise ID processes in general.

That said, the announcement has not come without its controversy, not to mention a fair share of confusion about what the policy does and doesn’t mean. That’s why in this article, we’ll be breaking down the basics of what digital ID cards mean for employment, how they might function in practice, and how their usage could affect you. 

Right To Work Checks

Above all else, it’s important to make one thing clear: this policy will not change who does and doesn’t have the right to work in the UK. Rather, it’s an attempt by the government to more successfully enforce current laws by providing a simpler way to perform right-to-work checks.

Up until now, businesses were required to ask for photo ID before employing someone so that they could confirm whether or not that individual had the legal right to work in the UK. The problem with this system was that it could be slow, unreliable, and opened the door to potential errors on the part of businesses.

Put simply, while it might be difficult, it is very much possible to fake a physical ID. Digital ID, by comparison, would be a lot simpler for businesses to verify, and a lot more difficult to work around. This could be a real boon to many businesses, cutting down on admin, and reducing the level of risk associated with hiring a new employee.

How Will Digital ID Cards Work?

In theory a digital ID card will be a quick to access, centralised proof of identity that you can carry with you on your phone. It would contain identifying information about you along with a photo ID. Similar systems have already been brought into place in Estonia, Australia, and Denmark.

While, for most people, their phone would be their primary source of ID, it’s worth noting that the government has stressed their intention to make the new system as inclusive as possible for those without access to a phone or stable internet. That said, they haven’t yet announced how they intend to achieve this, stating that they intend to launch a public consultation later this year.

When Will You Need a Digital ID Card?

Although the exact timeline hasn’t yet been made public, digital ID cards will be mandatory for anyone looking for work by the end of the current parliamentary term (2029). Students, pensioners, and those not looking for employment won’t be required to have one although it may prove useful to do so.

The government has also made it clear that access to services such as healthcare and welfare will not be limited to those with digital ID. While it is possible that the new system could be integrated into these services, those without convenient access to their digital ID will not be left without the essential services they need.

How Will Digital ID Cards Change Employment in the UK?

The system as planned shouldn’t have a major influence over legal employment in the UK. In fact, if the government is successful in cutting down illegal employment, it should hopefully lead to a healthier employment market for those with the right to work.

Will The Digital ID Plan Actually Go Ahead?

It’s worth noting that, at present, there are many reasons to believe that the system may not go ahead—at least not in its current form. Not only has the plan garnered a great deal of criticism from across the political spectrum, but it’s also seen a severe public reaction. At present, almost three million people have signed an online petition to scrap the system with many raising the concern of data privacy as a core issue.

On the other hand, only a few months ago, over 500,000 people signed a petition to repeal the new Online Safety Act with many highlighting similar privacy concerns. In the time since, the government has shown no intention of reversing their plans, no matter how politically unpopular they may seem. Will the digital ID issue be any different? Only time will tell.