In September 2025, the Government announced that digital IDs would be introduced in the UK and that they would be mandatory in order for an individual to work in the UK.
The Government has now u-turned on this, instead saying that digital right to work checks will be mandatory but registering for the new digital ID scheme will be optional. Using a digital ID will be one way of checking an individual’s right to work but other digital methods, such as using digital verification services, will also be available. This means employers will no longer be able to manually check a physical document (such as a passport) in order to verify right to work status.
How do I check right to work documents?
The Government aims to move away from the current paper-based system for right to work checks, which it says is open to fraud and abuse. A government spokesperson said: "We are committed to mandatory digital right to work checks.”
"Currently right to work checks include a hodge podge of paper-based systems with no record of checks ever taking place.
"Digital ID will make everyday life easier for people, ensuring public services are more personal, joined up, and effective, while also remaining inclusive."
It is expected that mandatory digital right to work checks will be in place by 2029.
