No digital ID checks until you change jobs, says No 10

The UK government's digital ID scheme will only be required for job applications made after its proposed launch in 2028, not retroactively, No.10 confirms. Sir Keir Starmer introduced the plans in September to prevent people from operating in the "shadow economy." While the scheme aims to simplify identification processes for tasks like renting and banking, public opinion remains mixed, with a petition against it garnering nearly three million signatures. A public consultation is set for late 2025 to address concerns such as surveillance and potential impact on existing digital ID providers.