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Britain to introduce compulsory digital ID for workers

(www.reuters.com)
525 points alex77456 | 2 comments | 26 Sep 25 02:09 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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mytailorisrich ◴[26 Sep 25 11:22 UTC] No.45385213[source]▶
This is a plan so we shall see what happens...

This is widely unpopular because the idea of ID cards is unpopular in general in the UK and the people also clearly understand that the argument that this would combat illegal immigration is total rubbish. Even the comments on The Guardian's website are overwhelmingly negative, which should really tell the government something.

The proposal is also drastic because it would be de facto mandatory for all residents. It's hilarious and pathetic to see the government argue that it wouldn't be mandatory, just only needed to get a job (which probably means also mandatory to rent and to study)...

An unpopular government trying to out-do itself.

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celticninja[dead post] ◴[26 Sep 25 11:32 UTC] No.45385282[source]▶
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mytailorisrich ◴[26 Sep 25 11:35 UTC] No.45385303[source]▶
> What it will combat is illegal immigrants ability to work.

No. That's a rubbish claim by the government.

Employers must already check right to work and it is straightforward. Penalties are unlimited fines and jail, with penalties of 40k+ dished out on the first offence.

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1. celticninja ◴[26 Sep 25 11:41 UTC] No.45385347{3}[source]▶
It is easily gamed and it requires providing documents, usually these are photos or reproductions of passports which are provided digitally and can be easily altered. And employers don't have the skill or ability to detect them, or often the will to investigate.. by having copies of the documents they can show they did what was required and claim to have been misled and they are the victims, so no prosecution or fines.
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2. mytailorisrich ◴[26 Sep 25 11:48 UTC] No.45385391[source]▶
That's not how it works and it is not easily gamed.

You must provide your original passport, not a copy. And if you are a foreigner you must also provide a "share code" that allows the employer to go to the Home Office's website and check you details, including picture, and entitlement to live/work/study in the country.

Again, if some employers are unscrupulous, or just plain idiots, ID cards won't change that.

> by having copies of the documents they can show they did what was required and claim to have been misled and they are the victims, so no prosecution or fines.

On the contrary, this means 40k fine.