Overview
- Ministers confirmed employers will have to run digital right-to-work checks, but a new single digital ID will not be the only acceptable proof.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the government is relaxed about format, indicating e‑visas or e‑passports could satisfy verification.
- No10 said a full public consultation will launch shortly and primary legislation will follow, with wider rollout targeted around 2029.
- Opposition parties branded the shift a U‑turn and criticised the government, as PMQs focused on the retreat from the original mandatory ID pledge.
- Polling cited in coverage shows support for digital ID fell sharply after last year’s announcement, intensifying concerns over privacy, cost and access.