The UK government announces a new initiative to make digital identity cards compulsory for all workers, aiming to address illegal employment and streamline public services, amid controversy and comparisons with Switzerland’s voluntary e-ID system.
The United Kingdom is set to make digital identity cards mandatory for all workers under a new initiative announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The plan, unveiled at the Global Progressive Action Conference in London, seeks to address illegal working while simplifying access to government services. Starmer emphasised that employment in the UK will require possession of the digital ID, which will be available to all UK citizens and legal residents and stored on smartphones. While citizens will not need to carry or present the digital ID in daily life, it will be compulsory for employment verification.
The Labour government frames the scheme as a response to growing voter concern over immigration, aiming to ensure that only people with the correct legal status can take up jobs in the country. According to Starmer, the digital ID represents an “enormous opportunity” to secure borders and manage migration in a way that is pragmatic and fair-minded. The system is designed to replace complex paper-based checks, promising smoother access not only to work but also to services such as driving licenses and welfare benefits.
However, the proposal has met with criticism, particularly from opposition parties like Reform UK, which leads in recent opinion polls. Critics argue that illegal work will persist regardless, highlighting a thriving cash-in-hand economy that digital IDs may not penetrate effectively. Some see the policy as unlikely to deter those already operating outside immigration laws.
This UK initiative unfolds against a backdrop of similar debates elsewhere, notably in Switzerland, where a referendum on electronic identity cards—or e-IDs—occurred around the same time. Switzerland’s journey with e-IDs has been more irregular, with a previous 2021 referendum rejecting the concept amid privacy concerns and fears of centralisation and corporate control. The latest Swiss proposal differs by keeping the e-ID voluntary and under public control, with data residing on users’ smartphones rather than a central database. Swiss authorities have actively campaigned for a “Yes” vote, emphasising the system’s security, ease of use, and voluntary nature. Supporters argue it will streamline interactions online, from age verification to government services, and strengthen Swiss digital sovereignty.
Swiss opponents remain wary, concerned that the e-ID system could weaken traditional privacy protections, enable tracking, or be repurposed for marketing despite reassurances. Nonetheless, public openness appears to have grown, partly due to familiarity with digital COVID certificates used during the pandemic.
The UK’s move towards a mandatory digital ID for work marks a significant departure from Switzerland’s voluntary, privacy-conscious stance and reflects pressing domestic political priorities regarding immigration control. It also signals a broader global trend of governments turning to digital identity technologies to balance regulatory needs with service accessibility, although the practical challenges and civil liberties debates remain robust across different national contexts.
📌 Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [1], [2], [3], [4]
- Paragraph 2 – [1], [2], [4], [3]
- Paragraph 3 – [1], [5], [7]
- Paragraph 4 – [6], [5], [7]
- Paragraph 5 – [1], [5], [6]
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is current, with the earliest known publication date being September 26, 2025. The UK government announced plans for mandatory digital ID cards on that date. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-digital-id-scheme-to-be-rolled-out-across-uk?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
Direct quotes from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, such as “You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID,” ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-digital-id-scheme-to-be-rolled-out-across-uk?utm_source=openai)) are consistent across multiple reputable sources, indicating originality.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from reputable sources, including the UK government’s official website and major news outlets like Reuters and the Associated Press. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-digital-id-scheme-to-be-rolled-out-across-uk?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims are plausible and supported by multiple reputable sources. The UK government’s announcement of mandatory digital ID cards aligns with recent political developments and addresses ongoing concerns about illegal immigration and border security. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-digital-id-scheme-to-be-rolled-out-across-uk?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current, with consistent and original quotes from a reputable source. The claims are plausible and supported by multiple reputable outlets, indicating a high level of reliability.
