UK Abandons Digital ID Requirement for Work Checks After Public Backlash

UK Rolls Back Digital ID Plan for Work Checks Following Public Opposition

The UK government has scrapped its plan to mandate a digital ID system for workers to prove their right to work. This decision comes after considerable public resistance, highlighted by nearly three million signatories on a petition against the initiative.

While the government plans to implement digital right-to-work checks by 2029, workers will now have the option to verify their eligibility using alternative methods, such as biometric passports and commercial applications, as reported by BBC.

This decision represents a significant change in course following months of criticism, especially after Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated in September that “you will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have a digital ID.”

UK Digital ID Plan - Keir Starmer Image

Shifting the Focus: Digital ID for Convenience

The government is now marketing digital ID as a tool for accessing public services rather than primarily as a means of immigration control. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander asserted that there is still a strong commitment to mandatory digital right-to-work checks, which may include the use of biometric passports. However, workers will have the flexibility to demonstrate their eligibility without needing to sign up for the government’s digital ID program.

This pivot aims to counter what officials describe as “conspiracy nonsense about state control” and seeks to rebuild public confidence in opting for a voluntary digital ID system.

Currently, employers verify the right to work by checking physical documents, which the government claims can lead to fraud and the employment of unauthorized workers. The new system will require digital verification against government databases, but workers can still fulfill the verification requirements using existing paperwork instead of registering in the new digital ID program.

Additionally, the government is looking into commercial verification apps that would cross-reference with Home Office data as alternative compliance avenues.

Political Reactions to the Government's Shift

The decision to roll back the digital ID requirement has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, indicating governmental disarray. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch characterized the reversal as “another U-turn” and expressed her relief at the discontinuation of what she labeled a “terrible policy.” Liberal Democrat spokesperson Lisa Smart humorously remarked that “No 10 must be bulk ordering motion sickness tablets at this rate.”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage viewed the change as a victory for “individual liberty against a ghastly, authoritarian government.” Notably, his party had previously received £9 million in cryptocurrency donations, leading to calls from Labour to ban political contributions in digital currency.

This reversal has also contributed to growing frustration among Labour members of Parliament, who had previously supported controversial policies only to see them overturned. One MP termed this latest retreat “an absolute car crash,” voicing dissatisfaction with the leadership's inconsistency.

Former Home Secretary David Blunkett, a supporter of ID cards during his time in office, attributed the backlash to poor communication strategy, which allowed opposition to rally against the proposal effectively.

Civil liberties groups, such as the Open Rights Group, have long warned about the potential for “mission creep” resulting in expanded ID usage in everyday life. Their concerns are based on negative experiences of migrants subjected to digital verification through the eVisa system, where inaccuracies and technical issues have led to rejected job offers and housing issues.

Despite the removal of mandatory registration, the government insists the central aim of reform remains unchanged. A spokesperson noted that digital ID “will make everyday life easier for people” and enhance the effectiveness of public services.

Details on the system's operation will be released in an upcoming public consultation, with plans still set for implementation in 2029 using government-developed platforms, including Gov.uk One Login and Gov.uk Wallet.

UK Advances in Crypto Regulation Amid Digital ID Controversy

The abandonment of the digital ID requirement coincides with the UK's ongoing efforts to enhance crypto regulation, integrating digital assets under Financial Conduct Authority oversight by 2027.

In a move initiated in December, the government has mandated crypto firms to obtain formal authorization by September 2026, thereby replacing the current system which allowed for minimal oversight.

These regulations will introduce transparency standards akin to those in traditional finance, with final requirements expected to be established by the end of 2026 after a period of industry feedback.

In another important development, the UK has officially classified Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as legal property under new legislation, allowing ownership, inheritance, and recovery of digital assets to be protected under property law.

This drive for regulation follows a decline in crypto ownership among UK adults, which fell from 12% to 8% in 2025, although remaining holders have tended to build larger portfolios within higher-value brackets.

Key Takeaways:

The UK government has withdrawn its requirement for digital ID registration for workers due to significant public opposition.
By 2029, digital right-to-work checks will be mandatory, but alternative verification methods will be available.
The government is repositioning digital ID as a tool for accessing public services rather than immigration enforcement.
The reversal has sparked criticism from opposition parties, reflecting political turmoil.
The UK is advancing regulatory measures for cryptocurrencies, enhancing oversight in the digital asset market.