UK digital ID scheme proposed to curb illegal work, with 2028 target

The government unveiled plans for a digital identity system intended to prove a person’s identity and their right to work in the United Kingdom, signaling that use could become mandatory by the end of the current parliamentary term, likely by 2028. The proposal frames digital ID as a modern, secure alternative to paper documents and aims to tackle illegal employment by migrants who lack proper work authorization.

Under the scheme, a digital ID would function as an authoritative proof of identity and residency status. It would include the holder’s name, date of birth, a photograph, and information on nationality or residency status. Rather than relying on a National Identity Register or a physical card, the plan envisions a proof-of-identity system that can be verified through users’ smartphones. Officials say the digital ID would be cost-free for users and designed to be inclusive, with arrangements to ensure that people without smartphones can still access essential services, possibly via a physical card alternative.

The government says the digital ID would streamline access to services such as driving licenses, childcare, and welfare while strengthening checks on employment eligibility. It argues that a more secure way to prove identity could reduce the misuse of documents and the shadow economy, where people may borrow or steal someone else’s identity or use fake numbers to work illegally. The administration has asserted that, in time, employers would be required to rely on digital ID when verifying a worker’s status, making it harder for someone to be employed without proper rights.

The plan comes amid ongoing enforcement concerns. Current rules already allow heavy penalties for employers who hire workers illegally, with fines that can reach tens of thousands of pounds per offending employee if proper checks are not conducted. Officials emphasize that digital ID would not simply be a new credential but part of a broader push to strengthen labor-market enforcement alongside verification tools. Analysts have cautioned that while a robust ID system could help, it is not a universal cure for illegal work.

Jill Rutter of the Institute for Government noted that stronger enforcement would need to accompany the new scheme. “People are paying cash, people are working in what the prime minister calls the ‘shadow economy,’” she said. “It means people won’t have an excuse for not checking, saying ‘I thought they were British,’ and people won’t be able to use fake ID so easily. So it will help, but I don’t think it’s an absolute panacea.” Her assessment underscores that successful implementation will hinge on more than digital verification alone.

The government stresses that the timeline is gradual and long-running. The phrase “by the end of the parliament” is shorthand for 2028, reflecting the likelihood that the rollout would extend over multiple years and require substantial legislative and operational work. Officials acknowledge the project cannot be completed quickly and that the initial phases will focus on building a secure, reliable platform that can handle identity verification and residency checks at scale.

Historically, Britain has entertained periodic discussions about national ID schemes. The country has not maintained a nationwide compulsory ID system since the 1950s, after wartime and postwar measures were abandoned. In 2006, a prior attempt to introduce ID credentials—rooted in concerns about immigration, benefit fraud, and terrorism—was shelved by the coalition government in 2010. The current plan reframes the issue as a digital-proof mechanism rather than a traditional ID card tied to a National Identity Register. The government argues that the digital approach would be less intrusive and more adaptable than earlier proposals while still enabling robust verification.

International examples show varied results. Estonia’s digital ecosystem emphasizes easy access to public services and health records, while France and Germany maintain long-running ID schemes with persistent challenges around illegal work. The government’s opponents worry about civil liberty concerns and the risk of overreach, while supporters contend that a modern, verifiable system could reduce fraud and improve service access. Proponents also point to the broader European context, noting that many EU states already operate some form of identity verification for work and welfare purposes. The balance between security, privacy, and practical access will be central as the policy moves from proposal to implementation.

As the government moves forward, observers will watch how inclusion commitments are operationalized for those without smartphones and how the identity checks will integrate with other immigration and labor-market rules. The idea of a digital ID taps into contemporary debates about governance in a digital age: can a portable, secure verification tool meaningfully curb illegal work without acquiescing to intrusive state surveillance? The coming years will determine whether the plan gains the political traction and technical feasibility needed to transform how identity and work status are verified in Britain.