The UK government has abandoned plans that would have required workers to enrol in its digital ID scheme to prove their right to work in the country.
The decision follows strong backlash against proposals to introduce a free digital ID for both citizens and residents as part of efforts to curb illegal migration.
The policy was first announced last year, when Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said workers would not be able to work in the UK without a digital ID. He later clarified that while the ID would not be compulsory, it would be necessary to demonstrate the right to work, with implementation planned for 2029.
On Wednesday, Finance Minister Rachel Reeves confirmed the government’s reversal. This came after officials briefed British media late Tuesday that the digital ID would no longer be mandatory for employment.
However, Reeves maintained that proving the right to work would still depend on some form of digital verification.
“We are saying that you will need a mandatory digital ID to be able to work in the UK,” she told the BBC.
She explained that the key issue was not the format of the ID, adding that it could take the form of a digital ID card, an e-visa, or an e-passport.
“We’re pretty relaxed about what form that takes,” she said.
The digital ID policy, unveiled by Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer in September, had drawn heavy criticism from opposition parties and sections of the public.
Some critics, including far-right figures, made unsubstantiated claims that the scheme would expand government control over citizens’ lives. These included fears that digital IDs could be used to store data on vaccinations or carbon footprints, or restrict access to travel and food — claims the government has strongly denied.
