Experts say scheme would have had little impact on illegal working, as plans to fully digitise right to work checks are still set to go ahead.

The government has abandoned its plans to make digital IDs mandatory for right to work checks. 

While registering for the new digital ID programme will be optional, the government has said it is “absolutely committed” to making digital right to work checks mandatory.

Workers will still be able to use other methods to verify their identity, such as biometric passports. Read more