THE COMPULSORY DIGITAL ID CARD WAS DROPPED. THE SYSTEM WAS NOT.
In September 2025, the Government announced compulsory digital ID for every worker.
The public said no. Nearly three million people signed a petition against the proposal. In January 2026, the Government backed down and dropped the compulsory digital ID card. People power won that round.
But the system did not stop.
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 became law on 19 June 2025. It created a legal framework for digital verification services, including a register of providers. The Prime Minister told Parliament: “There will be checks, they will be digital and they will be mandatory.”
Together is among the campaign groups opposing digital ID. It has warned that dropping the card does not end the digital ID system.
What this means for employers
Every hire needs a check that proves who was checked, when the check happened, which route was used and what evidence was kept. A lawful, auditable right-to-work process requires a clear record.
What this means for workers
Workers need clear answers on what is checked, who holds their data and what happens to anyone who cannot or does not want to use a digital route.
How V3 Recruitment helps
V3 Recruitment helps employers keep right-to-work, onboarding and workforce-suitability processes practical, accurate and properly evidenced.
02392 361 115 | hello@v3recruitment.com | v3recruitment.com
Sources
House of Commons Library: Digital ID in the UK; ITV News; Data (Use and Access) Act 2025; Big Brother Watch statement.
