The UK government has backtracked on a key element of its proposed digital ID system, now stating that workers will be able to use alternative forms of identification to prove their right to work. This change means the digital IDs will no longer be compulsory for working-age people, as the only mandatory aspect was for right-to-work checks.
Officials insist the move is not a U-turn but rather a refinement ahead of a full public consultation on how the system will operate. However, critics view it as the latest in a series of policy reversals by the government, following changes to business rates and inheritance tax for farmers.
When Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the digital ID proposal in September, it was marketed as voluntary except for proving the legal right to work. He described it as an opportunity to enhance border security. Now, individuals will still need to verify their identity digitally, but they can use existing documents such as a passport instead of a mandated digital ID.
The Conservatives called the move “yet another humiliating U-turn”. Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Mike Wood said: “What was sold as a tough measure to tackle illegal working is now set to become yet another costly, ill-thought-out experiment.” The Liberal Democrats echoed the criticism, with Lisa Smart stating: “No 10 must be bulk ordering motion sickness tablets at this rate to cope with all their U-turns.”
A government spokesperson defended the revised plan: “We are committed to mandatory digital right to work checks. Details will be set out following a full public consultation.” A source added that the change was made to allow voluntary uptake while avoiding backlash around state control.
