Is it mandatory to have a digital ID in UK to work?
Executive summary
The UK government has announced a national digital ID scheme that it says will be mandatory as the way to prove your “right to work”; employers will be required to check the digital ID when hiring and the scheme is planned to be in force within this Parliament (end dates reported as by 2028–2029 or earlier depending on source) [1] [2] [3]. Government and major outlets say individuals will not be routinely required to carry a physical card, and the scheme will focus on Right to Work checks rather than forcing all citizens to hold an ID if they do not intend to work [1] [2] [4].
1. What the government has announced — mandatory for Right to Work checks
The Downing Street announcement and government materials make clear the digital ID will be required for employers to verify someone’s entitlement to work in the UK: employers will be legally required to check digital ID as evidence of right to work, and the digital credential will be usable from GOV.UK Wallet on smartphones [1] [5]. Reuters and the BBC summarised the same policy: the state plans to require every employee to hold a digital identity document so illegal working is harder [3] [2].
2. Who will actually have to get one — workers and job applicants
Official briefings and fact-checkers say the obligation is targeted at people who want to work: the government’s policy requires a digital ID to prove the right to work and will apply to anyone seeking employment — including UK and non‑UK citizens — while people not seeking work (for example some pensioners) would not be forced to hold one [4] [6]. The BBC reported the government told it the requirement won’t be applied retrospectively: workers would need it when they apply for jobs after the scheme’s introduction [7].
3. Timing and implementation — consultation then legislation
The government has set out a public consultation and expects to bring legislation in the coming parliamentary period. Coverage says a consultation will be launched in 2025 and legislation introduced early the following year, with the government aiming to have the mandatory Right to Work application in force by the end of this Parliament (variously described as by 2028–2029) [8] [1] [2] [9].
4. Practicalities and exemptions flagged by officials
Officials stress the scheme will not mean carrying an ID card everywhere: the digital ID will be stored in GOV.UK Wallet and there will be no requirement to present it routinely in public, with alternatives and face‑to‑face support promised for people unable to use smartphones [1] [7]. The government also signals it will consult on accessibility and alternatives during the design process [7] [1].
5. Political and civil‑liberties context — opponents and supporters
The announcement is politically charged. Supporters frame the scheme as a tool to reduce illegal working and fraud and to modernise public services [2] [6]. Opponents across parties and civil‑liberties groups warn about privacy, surveillance and scope creep; Liberal Democrat and other leaders have declared opposition and public petitions have attracted millions of signatures [7] [10]. Commentators and industry bodies note this is a major shift from past UK practice and will provoke intense political and legal scrutiny [11] [5].
6. What the coverage does and does not settle
Reporting and government documents consistently state digital ID will be mandatory for Right to Work checks and employers will be required to use it [1] [2]. Sources differ on precise deadlines and mechanics — some say “by the end of this Parliament” while outlets report proposed introduction dates ranging into 2028–2029 [8] [9] [7]. Available sources do not mention finalised penalties for non‑compliance by workers, nor the full list of technical exceptions and safeguards that will apply after consultation [1] [2].
7. Practical takeaway for readers planning to work in the UK
If you intend to work in the UK, current official plans require a digital ID to prove your right to work and employers will be required to check it at hire; the government says it will provide alternatives for those who cannot use a smartphone and will not force people who do not seek work to enrol [1] [4]. The detailed rules — exact rollout date, transition arrangements for existing employees, and how exclusions/assistance will operate — will be set in the upcoming consultation and enabling legislation [7] [1].
Limitations: this briefing uses government statements and major media summaries published in 2025; sources vary on timeline details and ongoing consultations may change the final legal requirements [1] [2].