Britain to Mandate Digital ID Cards for All New Workers by 2029

Britain to Mandate Digital ID Cards for All New Workers by 2029

London – September 26, 2025 — UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a landmark proposal to introduce compulsory digital ID cards for individuals entering new employment. The plan, unveiled in Parliament today, is designed to curb illegal work and reinforce border security by requiring every new employee to present a Digital ID before being hired.

Under the scheme, each ID will be stored in a secure government app and linked to a central database. The digital card will include key details such as name, date of birth, nationality, residency status, and photograph. Employers will be legally required to verify the ID before completing any hiring process.

The government intends to phase in the program so that it becomes fully operational by 2029. Over time, it may extend to other critical areas, including housing and public services, where identity verification is necessary. Officials confirmed that the IDs will be free of charge and available to all legal residents. Carrying the card at all times will not be mandatory.

This announcement revives a long-standing debate. The UK scrapped its last national ID system after World War II, and earlier attempts to reintroduce one were abandoned due to privacy concerns. Civil-liberties advocates now warn that a nationwide digital database could risk creating a “checkpoint society,” where citizens may be asked to prove their identity repeatedly.

Concerns have also been raised in Northern Ireland, where many residents hold Irish citizenship. Local leaders argue the program could conflict with the Good Friday Agreement, which guarantees cross-border rights. Opposition parties and privacy groups are pressing for strong data-protection measures and independent oversight before any rollout.

The government, however, insists that the system is intended to improve transparency and prevent illegal employment, not to track citizens. For those without smartphones, a physical card option is being developed to ensure universal access. Ministers also emphasize that ID checks will only be required at key points — such as starting a new job — rather than during daily activities.

Supporters believe the policy will modernize the UK’s approach to immigration enforcement and labor market regulation. They argue that a tamper-proof digital ID will streamline hiring, protect legal workers, and help employers comply with the law.

The coming months will be critical as Parliament debates the proposal and the public weighs its potential benefits against privacy concerns. Whether the system becomes a cornerstone of the UK’s immigration policy or faces significant pushback will depend on legislation, public trust, and the strength of data-protection safeguards.