UK Makes Digital ID Required for Jobs

Britain is set to usher in a new era for employment and immigration control. The UK government has announced that by 2029, a free digital ID will be mandatory for all workers, pushing the country into a major modernization of its workforce and public service infrastructure.

The Government’s Plan

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration is taking aim at illegal working and migration. From the end of the current Parliament, every UK citizen and legal resident who wishes to work must hold and present a digital identity card, stored securely on a smartphone or device. This digital ID, part of the government’s “Plan for Change,” is designed to make it harder for people without lawful status to access the labor market—addressing public concerns over border security and the exploitation of foreign workers.

The digital ID will include personal details such as name, date of birth, residency, and a photograph. It will be used for Right to Work checks, and will make it easier for individuals to verify their identity for essential services such as banking, child care, driving licenses, and welfare. Employers will be obligated to check each job candidate’s digital ID, improving compliance and reducing paperwork. The move also aims to fight fraud and identity theft, with strong encryption and authentication built in.

Public Reaction and Controversy

Support for a national ID scheme is high among British citizens, citing easier access to services and a streamlined approach to identity verification. However, making digital IDs mandatory has sparked strong criticism from opposition parties and civil liberties groups, worried about data privacy, surveillance risks, and increased bureaucracy. A petition to stop the scheme has already passed one million signatures, with critics arguing that it could exclude people without smartphones or digital access, and may not stop unauthorized crossings by migrants.

Political rivals have warned against the scheme, drawing comparisons to previous failed attempts at biometric ID cards in Britain. Some experts say implementation will be “extremely challenging,” especially for vulnerable populations and small businesses.

What Happens Next?

A public consultation will launch later this year, seeking input on how to make digital IDs accessible for all—including those without smartphones—and how data will be protected. Legislation will follow in 2026, with the full rollout planned by July 2029.

The Future of Work and Identity

This sweeping change will impact not just employees, but also government services, business operations, and society’s approach to citizenship in a digital era. Proponents see it as a win for security and modernization; opponents fear it could come at the cost of privacy and social equity. As Britain debates and refines the roll-out, the success of the program will depend on balancing innovation with protection of rights—and ensuring no communities are left behind in the shift to digital identity.