Overview
- Ministers signalled the new digital ID itself will not be compulsory for workers, with electronic visas and e‑passports expected to count for right‑to‑work checks.
- The government says digital right‑to‑work checks will be mandatory, with a full public consultation launching shortly to decide the verification options.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the government is relaxed about the form of documentation used, reinforcing that the requirement is for digital checks rather than a single ID product.
- The programme will require primary legislation and remains aimed for introduction by the end of this Parliament in 2029.
- Opposition parties branded the move another U‑turn as the Prime Minister faces PMQs scrutiny today, with polling showing support for digital ID fell from about 53% to 31% and some reports citing costs of roughly £1.8bn over three years.