Minutes ago, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer announced that Digital IDs will be made mandatory for all workers in the UK.

Speaking at the Labour Party Conference, he stated: “You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID. It’s as simple as that.”

While this isn’t supposed to come into effect until the end of their parliament, at CDD Services we want to offer some clarity and reassurance.

A Complex Debate, Simplified

Digital identity has been debated for more than 20 years in the UK. Historically, both government and industry have avoided the idea of mandatory IDs because previous attempts have failed to win public trust. That’s why today’s announcement feels like a sudden shift.

The reality is this: the headlines will be bold, but delivery is always more complex. What happens next will not be decided overnight. Instead, it will unfold through consultation, public debate, and industry input.

Why CDD Services is Involved

We’re not just watching from the sidelines. Through our Chairs role in the Association of Digital Identity Providers (ADVP), we are actively engaged with:

• The Home Office and DSIT civil servants,

• Parliamentary groups and industry bodies like techUK,

• Media discussions shaping the national narrative.

We also continue to build practical digital identity solutions through services like Right to Work checks and our upcoming SafeGuarden Data Cooperative in Wigan and Wirral. This means our voice isn’t just theoretical—it’s grounded in real, everyday use cases that matter to businesses and communities.

What This Means for You

The debate is moving quickly, but it’s important to stress:

• Nothing is decided yet.

• Your voice matters.

• This is an opportunity to shape the future of digital identity in the UK.

How You Can Contribute

We’re asking for input on a simple but important question:
Which approach to digital IDs do you support?

Have your say here.

You can read more background in the ADVP briefing paper.

Final Reassurance

This is not the end of the debate—it’s the beginning. At CDD Services, we are here to help businesses, policymakers, and the public navigate the path ahead. Our commitment is to a digital identity system that is practical, secure, and fair.

If you’d like to share your perspective or get involved in upcoming focus groups, please get in touch. Together, we can make sure the conversation reflects not just political headlines but also the real-world needs of businesses and communities.