While the announcement of a digital ID system has been met with some resistance, it’s thought that it could bring opportunities for recruitment.
Why is the government introducing Digital IDs?
Last week, the government announced their plans to introduce a digital ID system by 2029.
The thought behind it, as stated by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is to ensure that ‘borders are more secure’ by making them a form of proof for a person to live and work in the UK.
He said, “You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID. It’s as simple as that.”
The plan is for digital ID to be stored via an app on a smartphone, and it will provide information such as:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Residency status
- A photo
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Digital IDs and recruitment
According to Gi Group UK, the use of digital ID could be a handy tool for the recruitment process.
Pete Taylor, Gi Group Managing Director, believes that this system could simplify compliance and help to create a smoother hiring process, as well as reduce the reliance on manual document checks.
Many employers could find themselves accidentally taking on workers with fraudulent paperwork, so a digital ID could help them to avoid this risk.
A change as significant as this will, of course, come with challenges too.
Employers would need to consider implementing safeguards to prevent discrimination against candidates who may face delays in securing their digital ID, or they may come across people who are not digitally literate.
There’s also data protection to consider. Employers will need to ensure that they have the correct training and infrastructure in place to protect candidates’ data.
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