A source said there would be “mandatory digital checks” for a right to work, as the current paper-based system was more open to abuse, but that did not necessarily mean bringing in a compulsory digital ID card. A government source told The Times that the compulsory element “was stopping conversation about what digital IDs could be used for generally”. The source said: “Stepping back from mandatory-use cases will deflate one of the main points of contention. It also came hours after Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, said the Government’s new year’s resolution should be to get things right “first time”. When he unveiled the plans, the Prime Minister said: “I know working people are worried about the level of illegal migration into this country.

Source: The Times January 14, 2026 20:11 UTC