The prime minister says the UK's digital identity scheme will be designed, built and delivered by two government departments.
Sir Keir Starmer said the Cabinet Office would have "overall responsibility" for the scheme, with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to lead on "technical" aspects.
Despite the PM's Oct 25th statement —in the House of Commons — experts have told ContractorUK that officials are unlikely to be able to deliver digital ID cards on their own.
More than 4% of the population against digital ID scheme
The experts' assessments depend on the details released in the coming weeks in the digital ID scheme's formal consultation.
But more than 4 per cent of the UK population is already opposed to ID cards, having signed a petition titled "Do Not Introduce ID cards."
Digital identity scheme will take a hybrid approach
Nonetheless, Dale Peters of IT analysis firm TechMarketView, told ContractorUK that already "we can assume" the digital identity scheme "will entail a hybrid approach" to resourcing.
"[That means] combining Government Digital Services development, with external support from…[private sector] consulting, design, development, delivery, support and security."
APSCo: Digital ID system highly likely to create IT contractor opportunities
Tania Bowers, of the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), signalled that APSCo member agencies would be on stand-by in the run-up to the ID scheme's launch in 2028, as she says it will invariably boost the volume of technology/IT assignments.
APSCo's director of global public policy, Ms Bowers told ContractorUK: "The government's digitalisation plans, including the digital ID system…are highly likely to create IT contractor opportunities, as the government won't necessarily have the niche capabilities required in-house."
Unlikely the government will have all the technical skills in-house
A technical and engineering recruiter of 21 years told ContractorUK that his experience tells him that the digital scheme will have at least a positive 'trickle-down' effect on technical jobs.
"It'll be an enormous project. It's unlikely the government will have all the skills in-house to fulfil it," the recruiter says. "My gut feel is that contract opportunities [direct or indirect will result]."
Speaking after the PM's statement to the Commons, the minister for intergovernmental relations, Darren Jones, toed the official line, however.
Technical expertise of DSIT
Jones spoke of adding the Cabinet Office's "capacity for coordination" to DSIT's "technical expertise," to "develop this product and make the most of its opportunities."
In a Digital ID Scheme Explainer document, the government says the IDs will be held on people's smartphones.
The government has also said it will draw on the .gov.uk common infrastructure.
Platforms developed by GDS created substantial contracts for seven key tech firms
"This includes the GOV.UK One Login, which replaced the ill-fated GOV.UK Verify," explains TechMarketView's Dale Peters.
"[And it includes] GOV.UK App, launched earlier this year, and GOV.UK Wallet, which is scheduled for release later this year.
"The development of these platforms has been led by the Government Digital Service — GDS —but created significant opportunities for industry, including substantial contracts being awarded to Deloitte, PA Consulting, BAE Systems, HGS, Mastek, Capgemini, and Accenture."
Integrate proven technologies, rather than starting from scratch
TechMarketView's public sector expert, Mr Peters further observed that techUK has called the government to "integrate proven technologies, rather than starting from scratch."
Officials vowing to draw on the .gov.uk common infrastructure appears to tick off the trade body's recommendation.
But in an op-ed for techUK, on November 6th 2025, Kayleigh Marquis, a manager at Signable, spoke of a "risk of exclusion" from the digital ID scheme for people who don't own a device.
There was no word from Maquis about individuals who actively want to be excluded from the scheme, perhaps due to civil liberties or other concerns.
Accessibility too often an afterthought in software development
"For me, the biggest issue is the risk of exclusion," she wrote. "One in five people in the UK has some kind of access need, whether permanent or temporary, and too often accessibility is treated as an afterthought.
"I have seen this in software development, where companies rush out a minimum viable product and think about accessibility later.
"But when it comes to something as important as digital identity," wrote Marquis, "that approach just does not work."
Assistive technologies
The government claims it will launch an outreach programme to help address concerns about digital equity.
But it also says 93% of the UK population already owns a smartphone.
Responding to concerns about Brits who have physical or cognitive disabilities, the government says the digital ID will integrate "assistive technologies" like screen readers, voice commands, and biometric authentication.
Vulnerability of centralised public data stores
A recruiter of tech workers, Matt Collignwood, believes chapter five of the seven-part explainer document, "How your data and privacy will be protected", will be read by an even greater number of individuals than "How we will ensure it is available to everyone."
"My biggest concern with the government digital ID scheme is around data security," begins Collingwood, managing director of VIQU IT.
"The UK has already seen several high-profile public sector data breaches, including the WannaCry cyberattack on the NHS, the Hackney Council ransomware attack, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland data leak, where personal details of thousands of officers were accidentally published online.
"These incidents highlight the vulnerability of centralised public data stores. And by introducing digital IDs, the government will be creating another huge repository of sensitive personal information, a single point of failure and a prime target for global hackers."
I want my personal data stored in as few places as possible
Also the boss of VIQU Energy, which places contractors in utilities roles, Mr Collingwood continued: "As both an individual and someone who works closely with contractors, I want my data stored in as few places as possible. Centralising it under a government-controlled digital ID scheme amplifies the risk — and the potential fallout if that data is ever compromised."
Digital ID cards will also amplify the sheer number of identifiers a person has, according to a divisional IT manager, who fears the system will be built on weak identifiers.
"This is probably how the ID cards will go," the manager started in an online, light-hearted post.
"Starmer: You all NEED a digital ID! Citizen: Why? I've got a passport and/or a driver's licence!
"Starmer: Your passport and/or driver's licence just isn't secure enough anymore for your ID. Citizen: OK, how do I get a digital ID? Starmer: You'll just need to show us your passport and/or driver's license. Citizen: Wait? What?!"
Advanced security and encryption — just like banking apps
In an online Digital ID Scheme FAQs, the government says people's privacy and data will be protected using "advanced security and encryption" —"just like banking apps do."
The FAQs add: "It will also be stored directly on your own device — just like contactless payment cards or the NHS App today.
"That means if a phone is lost or stolen, the digital credentials can be easily revoked and later reissued, providing better security than traditional physical documents."
Digital ID cards to be mandatory for Right To Work
Keith Rosser, a director of Reed Screening, has championed replacing the physical with the digital, in the area of Right To Work checks.
And the government says the incoming digital ID cards will become "mandatory" for Right To Work checks "by the end of the parliament."
Rosser sounds concerned. "I was involved in making Right To Work (RTW) checks digital with the Home Office in 2022. This means employers have been able to check RTW immediately and remotely for the last three years.
"The majority of employers do the checks. A national, digital ID card won't change that," he says.
A new digital ID risks building inefficiency into employer hiring processes
Taking to LinkedIn, Rosser – the chair of the Better Hiring Institute added: "Those [rogue employers out there today] who currently don't do the checks still won't.
"There is also a concern about how employers will actually do the RTW check with the ID card. The [prior] 'BritCard' proposal suggested an "employer app." Well, how will that work?
"At the moment, the job-seeker engages online, or the employer uses the OCS [Outer Continental Shelf] where it's a visa, and it works well. I truly hope this [new digital ID] won't build inefficiency into the process for employers."
Judging the government digital ID system's impact on technology recruitment space is tough
VIQU's Mr Collingwood is similarly worried that UK recruitment will get bogged down by the digital ID scheme.
"The government has not yet provided enough detail about how the system will work. So judging its true impact on the [IT recruitment space] is tough.
"But I can [already] see it risks slowing onboarding processes down and creating further compliance liabilities," he warns.
"And I have yet to meet anyone in favour of digital ID. [Perhaps it's because it] feels like another layer of administrative burden that will weigh heavily on the entire supply chain, including Personal Service Companies, recruitment agencies and umbrella companies."
Digital ID programme is brilliant news for recruitment agencies
Neil Carberry, CEO of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, is in favour of the digital ID scheme.
For the REC's staffing agency member companies, he described the digital ID programme as "brilliant news."
Carberry foresees efficiencies for "businesses" too, not just the upturn he implies that recruitment agencies will see from the scheme, directly or indirectly.
He says: "So much paperwork can be sped up by this [initiative]— getting processes simplified, and people into jobs quicker with digital Right To Work.
"[And already] we use digital ID every day, from paying on our phones to travel and event tickets. There is no reason that the state should fall behind."
The agency body boss added: "By providing ID documents it already supplies digitally, the government can unlock faster job-starts, and lower administration burdens in our labour market – as well as a faster, more accurate benefits system."
Forty-seven digital tech companies already listed on DIATF
However, TechMarketView says the government has already made its foray into digital identity, albeit via agreements using vetted contractors with a track record of delivering the technology.
The government not looking to use its own dedicated, purpose-built network would now be a bit perplexing.
TechMarketView's Mr Peters said: "Digital ID solutions, enabled by the government's Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework, have already been established by a variety of suppliers and are widely used by businesses to authenticate identities.
"On top of this, we have the Digital Identity Trust Framework, a set of rules — currently in gamma version — enabling digital verification service providers to certify they meet the minimum quality standard expected by the government. And there are currently 47 companies listed on this trust framework!"
National ID project to be designed, built and run in-house
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said in a statement that going to the market for digital ID cards was not its plan.
Of the digital ID scheme, a DSIT spokesperson told ContractorUK: "While no decisions have been made on its delivery, we expect it to be designed, built and run by in-house government teams, not outsourced to external suppliers."
The government clarified that if any specialist external services or third-party expertise are sought to support digital ID cards, the usual tendering processes would apply.
Digital ID would grant public sector contractors easier access to government buildings
A sales and engagement adviser with public sector clients, James McGinty, says the government should get on and do digital ID sooner rather than later.
"Something has to be done to tackle the growing number of illegally employed people in the UK. It costs the country millions in tax and benefit fraud every year," McGinty claimed on LinkedIn.
"I'm not fussed about carrying ID as I do it anyway via my driver's licence. I am constantly being asked for ID to work in a variety of government buildings. A digital ID would make that easier."
Do Not Introduce Digital ID Cards petition
A petition entitled "Do Not Introduce Digital ID Cards" has gained 2.9million signatures since being launched shortly after the government announced the digital ID scheme on September 29th 2025.
As part of its reply, which reiterates its plan to roll out the scheme across the UK, the government said: "We will introduce a digital ID within this parliament to help tackle illegal migration, make accessing government services easier, and enable wider efficiencies. We will consult on details soon."
Largest petition in UK history that hasn't been put to a public vote
A wealth adviser to professionals, Russell Leeds, accused the government of "ignoring millions of people."
"The petition against digital ID has hit over 2.7 million signatures [Editor's Note: 2.9m at the time of writing]. That makes it the largest petition in UK history that hasn't been put to a public vote.
"And what's the government's response? 'We're pressing ahead anyway.' Think about that for a moment. Millions have spoken. Record-breaking numbers. No referendum. No chance to vote. Yet Westminster shrugs its shoulders and says, 'We know best.'"
To his online followers, Leeds continued: "What's the point of petitions if they are just ignored? How can the government claim a 'mandate' on an issue that was never voted on? And what message does this send to the millions who took the time to sign? The people are speaking. The question is, is anyone in government really listening?"
