How Will the Digital ID Transform the Right to Work in the United Kingdom?

In a bid to put an end to illegal immigration, Prime Minister Starmer told the country that the scheme would "make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure".

The introduction of a digital ID has been met with mixed reviews. While it aims to replace physical documents and improve security and speed in the hiring process, more than 2.9 million British citizens have since signed a petition calling for Starmer’s latest Right to Work scheme to be scrapped.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at how the digital ID could transform the recruitment industry and discuss some of the major concerns surrounding a digitalised future.

Introducing the ‘Digital ID’

When announcing his plan to transform the identification process in the UK, Starmer claimed that the digital ID scheme would make it twice as difficult for citizens to work illegally in the UK.

Speaking to the BBC, he added that "It will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove your identity to access key services swiftly - rather than hunting around for an old utility bill."

There are plenty of changes to come in the wake of the digital ID release. From quicker access to government services, including HMRC and benefit schemes, to reducing fraud and identity theft by using state-of-the-art encryption, there’s no doubt that the introduction of digital IDs could streamline several mandatory processes.

Changing Right to Work Checks

One of the most significant changes on the horizon is the Right to Work process. From 2026 onwards, the government plans to make digital IDs mandatory for all Right to Work checks.

This would essentially replace current identity screens that include checking paper passports, visas and any other physical documents that prove residency in the country.

Instead, the digital ID would appear in an app on an applicant’s phone, showing their name, date of birth, and residency status. This can be scanned by the employer and used as a reliable source when establishing a candidate’s right to work in the country.

What Does This Mean For UK Employers?

As more UK employers embrace the power of digital HR, the introduction of the digital ID could improve the recruitment process tenfold.

With the ability to integrate the digital ID process with HR platforms like PeopleHR Evo, employers can digitalise all stages of the hiring process from candidate screening to Right to Work Checks, from one centralised location.

Take a look at some of the key transformations that employees can expect to see in the coming years:

• A Shift to Digital Right-to-Work Checks: Employers will be required to integrate digital ID checks into the recruitment process. This will replace the use of physical documents, which could be tampered with in advance.
• Improved Security: Not only is the digital ID system likely to be faster, but it is also a more reliable source of verification. Using a similar login sequence to online banking apps, Starmer ensures that data security will be paramount and at the forefront of the scheme.
• Deterring Illegal Workers: Digital IDs aim to make it more difficult for illegal immigrants to use fake/unauthorised documents to verify their status in the country. This is likely to deter illegal workers from recruitment drives.

Are There Concerns?

While the introduction of a digital ID may play a crucial role in transforming the UK’s recruitment industry, an opposing petition still has nearly three million signatures.

In one survey, 79% of UK respondents said privacy and security were among the most prominent concerns about digital ID.

A centralised digital ID system could be an easy target for hackers, and a breach could immediately compromise the most sensitive information for UK citizens.

For others, surveillance was a key concern, with many fearing that the scheme could increase state surveillance and give the government greater power over them.

This erosion of control has been the most common theme of conversation surrounding the release of the digital ID. Many believe that the idea that citizens cannot meaningfully consent to participate is unethical and infringes on their right to privacy.

What’s Next?

Currently, the UK government are moving forward with the digital ID system, which is set to be introduced by the end of the current parliament.

While the digital ID will be voluntary for most users, it will become mandatory in the coming years for proving a citizen’s right to work in the United Kingdom.

As UK workers face a digital future, there is one pivotal question: can Starmer’s digital ID strengthen national security without compromising individual privacy?