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MNN Global · January 14, 2026 · 1 min read

UK government abandons mandatory digital ID for employment

What happened: The UK government has cancelled plans requiring workers to have a digital ID to start a new job. Digital checks will still be conducted, but holding a digital ID will not be compulsory.

Why it matters:

  • This change affects job applicants and employers across the UK.
  • It may influence how identity verification is managed in the recruitment process.

MNN Take: While digital identity verification remains part of hiring, the government has decided not to make digital IDs mandatory, possibly to address concerns about privacy and accessibility.

Sources: BBC Politics