In a significant policy reversal, the UK government has abandoned its controversial plan to force all workers to use mandatory digital identity cards. The scheme, which was intended to become compulsory as a method of tackling illegal working, will no longer be a requirement for employment by the end of the current parliamentary term.
From Compulsion to Consultation
Sky News has learned that the proposed mandatory digital ID cards will not be enforced for the right to work by the time this parliament concludes, which is set for 2029. This marks a stark departure from the government's position last year, when it stated the digital checks would be compulsory.
A government spokesperson addressed the shift on Tuesday 13 January 2026, stating: "We are committed to mandatory digital right to work checks." However, they emphasised that the details of the digital ID scheme would only be finalised after a full public consultation, which is scheduled to launch in the near future.
The spokesperson added: "Digital ID will make everyday life easier for people, ensuring public services are more personal, joined-up, and effective, while also remaining inclusive."
What Alternative Documents Will Be Accepted?
According to a report in The Times, while the requirement for employers to conduct right to work checks will remain mandatory, the range of acceptable documents is being widened. This means workers will not be forced to rely solely on a government-issued digital ID.
Instead, other established forms of documentation will continue to be considered valid proof. These alternatives are expected to include:
- An electronic visa or biometric residence permit.
- A valid passport (both British and from certain other countries).
- Other existing official documents that confirm immigration status and work eligibility.
This move is seen as a pragmatic step to ensure the system remains flexible and accessible, addressing concerns from various sectors about the potential complexity and exclusivity of a single digital system.
Implications and Next Steps
This U-turn represents a major victory for campaigners and business groups who had raised alarms about privacy, implementation costs, and the potential for discrimination. The focus now shifts to the forthcoming public consultation, which will shape the final, non-compulsory form of the digital ID system.
The government's revised approach suggests a hybrid model will emerge, where digital IDs are an option for streamlining checks, but not the only legal pathway. The core objective of reducing illegal working remains, but the methods for achieving it are being reconsidered to balance security, innovation, and practicality for millions of workers and employers across the UK.
