A new government-backed digital ID scheme will become mandatory for Right to Work checks by the end of the current parliament, the government has said.
Plans to roll out digital IDs, announced by prime minister Keir Starmer, are expected to transform how HR and recruitment teams verify employees and manage legislative compliance. The IDs are free for people living in the UK.
This initiative is being pitched as both a crackdown on illegal migrants seeking work and a modernisation of public services to make it easier for the public to access things they are entitled to.
It also represents a significant shift in workforce management for employers, which is planned to streamline onboarding and reduce risk.
The majority of employers already conduct robust Right to Work checks, with heavy fines and reputational damage for those who don’t. The plan is to make digital IDs the default proof of eligibility, replacing reliance on paper documents and photocopies.
This change is designed to offer employers faster, clearer verification processes and fewer grey areas. It also gives the Home Office greater capacity to audit employers and crack down on illegal working, particularly in sectors deemed high-risk such as hospitality, logistics and care.
“Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK,” Starmer said. “It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure. And it will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove your identity swiftly – rather than hunting around for an old utility bill.”
With the new IDs, employers should see reduced delays in pre-employment checks, improving time-to-hire and candidate experience, the government said.
The ID will be stored on people’s phones in a secure wallet, in a similar way to cards for contactless payments or the NHS app. It will also unlock access to other services including childcare, tax records and driving licences.
Inclusion will be central to the scheme, the government added, with non-digital alternatives for those without smartphones and outreach programmes for older or vulnerable groups. This is a key area for HR as employers must ensure that all staff, regardless of digital confidence, can complete checks without disadvantage.
The approach mirrors international practice. In Estonia, parents use digital ID to access child benefits and education records, in Denmark, students rely on it for qualifications and job applications, while in Australia and India digital ID systems are used to reduce fraud and simplify access to services.
The rollout reflects a wider shift towards digital-first workforce administration. Payroll, pensions and benefits platforms have already moved online, now employee verification is set to follow. HR systems will need to integrate with the new ID, while policies and contracts may require updates.
Communication will also be key as there is a risk that employees may confuse the scheme with compulsory ID cards. HR teams should prepare to brief staff clearly: digital ID will be required for proving the right to work, but there is no requirement to carry or show it outside of those checks.
A consultation is due to begin later this year, so employers will have the chance to shape how the scheme is implemented. Digital ID will soon be a standard part of HR’s compliance toolkit, bringing with it another potential lever for improving employee engagement.
