Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has robustly defended plans for mandatory digital checks on the right to work in the UK, facing accusations of a significant government U-turn on the flagship policy.
Policy Shift or Clarification?
On Wednesday 14 January 2026, the Labour government appeared ready to water down its original proposal for a single, mandatory digital identification system for proving the right to work. The initial plan, announced by Sir Keir in September 2025, involved a digital ID stored on mobile phones, available only to UK citizens and legal residents, which would be compulsory for employment.
However, Chancellor Rachel Reeves signalled a shift in emphasis during a BBC Breakfast interview. She confirmed that proving the right to work would remain mandatory, but indicated the government was "pretty relaxed" about the form of digital ID used. This could include e-passports or e-visas, not solely the dedicated digital ID card initially proposed.
Commons Clash and Ministerial Defence
At Prime Minister's Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed what she called the "latest U-turn," labelling the original mandatory digital ID a "rubbish policy." In response, Sir Keir stated: "I’m determined to make it harder for people to work illegally in this country, and that’s why there will be checks, they will be digital, and they will be mandatory."
Business Secretary Peter Kyle later clarified the position on BBC Radio 4's World At One. He confirmed that for now, a UK biometric passport could suffice for digital checks, but emphasised that by the planned 2029 rollout, digital IDs linking biometric data to identity would be in place for instant government verification.
Government officials stressed that details had "always been clear" that they would be set out after a full public consultation, launching shortly. This leaves open the possibility that the dedicated digital ID programme could become voluntary, a stark contrast to Sir Keir's 2025 conference pledge: "you will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID."
A Pattern of Revisions
This episode marks the latest in a series of policy adjustments by the Labour government since taking office. These include reversing benefits cuts, providing extra support for pubs facing business rate hikes, and raising the inheritance tax relief threshold for farmers. Health Secretary Wes Streeting told a conference on Tuesday that ministers should aim to "get it right first time."
The core aim of tightening illegal working controls remains, but the method is now under review. The upcoming consultation will ultimately decide whether the UK adopts a singular digital ID or a broader system of accepted digital documents for employment checks.
