Last week, the UK government announced a plan to roll out a national digital ID scheme, making digital identity verification mandatory for Right to Work checks by the end of this Parliament.
This is a step towards modernising compliance, tackling illegal working, and reducing the admin burden on businesses. However, like most technology-led initiatives, the details of how it’s implemented will be critical. Done well, digital identity could transform a wide range of processes across both the public and private sector.
Why This Change Matters
Right to Work checks are nothing new. Employers have long had a legal duty to verify that staff are entitled to work in the UK. What’s changing is – how these checks will be carried out.
By phasing out manual document inspections in favour of digital verification, the government is recognising that:
- Paper-based checks are prone to fraud and error.
- Remote working makes in-person checks harder to carry out.
- Employers need a more reliable way to prove compliance when audited.
This raises questions: How will the new system integrate with existing services? How will smaller employers adapt? How can we make sure digital identity benefits users, rather than adding complexity?
More Than ID Verification
Identity verification is only one piece of the compliance puzzle. For most employers, the challenge won’t stop once someone’s ID has been verified. You will also need to:
- Record that the checks were carried out.
- Link the check to signed employment contracts.
- Capture consent and maintain a secure audit trail.
- Provide evidence if questioned later by regulators.
That’s where Videosign goes further. Our platform combines:
- Certified digital ID verification (via our integration partners OneID® and Daon).
- Secure video meetings with recording and attendance logs.
- Digital signing of contracts and compliance documents.
- Comprehensive audit trails, pulling all this together.
It’s end-to-end compliance in one system – reducing admin, minimising risk, and making processes smoother for both employer and employee.
The Bigger Picture: Where Digital ID Could Go
The government’s announcement is focused on Right to Work, but the potential applications for digital identity go much further.
In time, a trusted UK digital ID could support:
- Right to Rent checks for landlords.
- Access to financial services, reducing reliance on repeated ID checks.
- Education and training compliance, from apprenticeships to professional certifications.
- Healthcare access, making patient onboarding smoother and more secure.
- General contracting, where proving identity is part of signing high-value or regulated agreements.
A Note of Caution
Implementation of this scheme will be key. A few points to watch:
- Accessibility: Will all applicants, including those less digitally confident, find the system easy to use?
- Integration: How will this scheme work alongside existing tools and systems?
- Privacy and security: Digital identity must be secure, but also proportionate, respecting individual rights under data protection law.
- Industry readiness: Employers need time, training, and practical tools to adapt smoothly.
There are challenges, but they can be solved – if government, industry, and technology providers all work together.
Conclusion
The government’s move towards a universal digital ID is a clear signal that the future of compliance is digital. For employers, that’s both a challenge and an opportunity.
Handled well, digital identity can reduce admin, improve security, and make life easier for both businesses and employees. Success will depend on careful implementation and a focus on end-to-end processes, not just single checks.
Interested in seeing how Videosign can help simplify compliance in your organisation? Get in touch today.
