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A new era for identity in the UK
Britain has resisted national ID cards for decades. That may be about to change. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that a new mandatory digital identity called the “BritCard” will be required to prove the right to work by the end of this parliament, no later than 2029. Consultation will start this year and legislation is expected in 2026.
For employers, this could be one of the most significant compliance changes in years.
Global norm, UK exception
Across the world, national ID systems are common. According to World Population Review, 131 countries already operate mandatory ID cards and 11 offer voluntary ones.
Even Switzerland, known for caution in such matters, narrowly approved a voluntary e-ID in 2025, although it remained a contentious and divisive issue nonetheless.
What the BritCard could deliver
The BritCard will be a digital credential stored on smartphones. Reports suggest it will include details such as name, date of birth, nationality or residency status and a photo. Beyond proving the right to work, it could be used for services including driving licences, childcare, welfare and tax records.
Ministers say the card will make it harder to work illegally and easier for citizens to prove their identity. Darren Jones, chief secretary to the treasury, has described it as “the bedrock of the modern state.”
The government says the ID will be free and stresses that nobody will be required to carry it or present it on demand.
Why it matters
Supporters believe the BritCard could close loopholes that allow fraudulent documents, strengthen border control through secure digital identity and make everyday life simpler by replacing multiple paper proofs with a single standard.
The pushback
Opposition has been fierce.
- Privacy fears: Campaign groups warn of mass surveillance and new risks of hacking.
- Cost concerns: Previous UK ID schemes carried multi-billion pound price tags before being scrapped.
- Exclusion risks: People without smartphones or reliable internet may struggle to access the system. The government says alternatives will be considered but details are limited.
- Doubts on effectiveness: Critics argue the BritCard will not stop small boat crossings or deter employers who already ignore right to work rules.
A UK Parliament petition opposing digital IDs has now passed 2.4 million signatures. Scotland’s first minister has also spoken out against the plan, highlighting Scotland’s existing ScotAccount service.
Polling suggests uncertainty. A recent YouGov survey found that half of respondents do not know how widely ID cards are used across Europe, even though most EU countries already operate them.
What employers need to know
For HR and compliance leaders, the BritCard could bring both clarity and disruption.
- A single credential could simplify onboarding
- Integration with existing Home Office systems is still unclear
- The timeline is consultation in 2025, legislation in 2026 and mandatory rollout by 2029
- Liability does not change, with civil penalties up to £45,000 for a first illegal working breach and £60,000 for repeat breaches
The bottom line
The BritCard is presented as a silver bullet for illegal working and modern public services. It could equally become a flashpoint for debate about privacy, cost and delivery.
For employers, the message is simple. Pay close attention to the consultation, prepare your systems and processes for possible change and continue to focus on what does not change. Right to work checks will remain a legal requirement, and the responsibility for getting them right will always rest with you.
