The government has confirmed plans to roll out a new digital ID scheme which, by the end of this Parliament, will become the standard method for completing Right to Work checks.

The digital ID will be made available to all UK citizens and legal residents, stored securely on smartphones – operating in a similar way to the NHS App or contactless payment systems. For employers, this is expected to simplify compliance by creating a more consistent and secure approach to verifying employment eligibility.

A public consultation will take place later this year, giving businesses the opportunity to shape how the service will function in practice.

Crucially, the government has stated that alternative routes will be made available for individuals who are unable to access or use smartphones. Security remains a key pillar of the scheme, with encryption and authentication technology built in from the outset.

While guidance will be issued as the rollout progresses, employers should start preparing now for a future where digital verification becomes the default.