Compliance | What does the government's digital ID U-turn mean for HR and right to work checks?

The UK government has dropped its controversial plan to make digital identity cards compulsory proof of the right to work, marking a significant policy reversal after widespread criticism from across business and legal communities. 

The proposal, announced in September 2025, would have required all workers to hold a government-issued digital ID to pass right to work checks by the end of this parliament. Under the revised approach, digital ID will remain part of the future system, but employers and employees can use alternative forms of digital documentation such as e-visas or e-passports instead.

The shift comes amid political pushback and concerns about civil liberties, digital exclusion, and practicality, with ministers now promising a broader public consultation on how the system will work in practice.

What has changed and what remains

At the heart of the government’s U-turn is the shift from a single mandatory digital ID card to a more flexible framework. Although digital right to work checks will still be mandatory, individuals will not be required to use the specific digital ID originally proposed. Instead, other digital credentials such as electronic visas or passport chips can be accepted alongside the new ID when it is introduced.