Woman who refused digital ID at work now fears HR backlash

A woman who refused to register for a digital ID at her workplace is now dreading potential repercussions from her employer. Leash Buck, from Cornwall, revealed that she was contacted by her employer’s HR department informing her of a change in the provider used for right to work checks, and was given a link to register with the new company. “I’m the only person in my team that’s been asked to do this,” she began in a TikTok video.

“So I filled in all the details and got a call from the screening company asking if I had seen their email – which I hadn’t as I was off.” Leash then shared that she was instructed to submit her passport details, along with a selfie of her holding the passport, much to her annoyance.

“They said it was to check my biometrics for a digital ID,” she elaborated. “So I had to very politely decline – a lot of people are declining because it’s not a legal requirement.”

Instead, Leash informed the screening company that they would have to tell her employer of her refusal “and would have to do it a manual way”. She further explained: “Her idea of manually – bearing in mind I work remotely – was to take my passport into work so they can verify I am who I am, even though they are the ones that got me vetted with the police over the last couple of months as well.”

Despite being away from the office, Leash revealed she had to fire up her laptop to inform HR of her refusal – and they were “not particularly happy” with her. “I’m sure it’s not the last I have heard of it,” she concluded.

“But given that consultations haven’t even happened yet, and this it is not law, I’m not playing. I’m sure a lot of people want an easy life and just went ahead with it – but I’m not going to.”

Writing in response to the clip, numerous TikTok users voiced worries that handing over information for a digital ID at work could pave the way for a nationwide rollout. One vented: “I’m a director of a company and I had to do it, we were given no choice. It was either that or not be able to ever submit accounts.”

Another commenter applauded: “Well done, stand your ground that’s the only way we can stop this digital madness.”

A third slammed: “I’m a civil servant and a part-time soldier and when they try and mandate this I’m fully expecting to be dismissed and discharged. I may take my family and leave the UK.”

Meanwhile, a fourth TikTok user remarked: “Big respect for declining it, as should everyone else. This will be a further downfall for us all as it gets further and further into being enforced.”

In September, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled proposals for the introduction of a new digital ID scheme that would be available to all UK citizens and legal residents. “Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK,” he stated at the time.

“It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure. And it will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove your identity to access key services swiftly – rather than hunting around for an old utility bill.”

Nevertheless, a petition calling for the scheme to be abandoned subsequently attracted 2.9 million signatures from UK residents, whilst the proposal has faced opposition from politicians spanning the political divide.

Documents published alongside the Chancellor’s Budget reveal the cost to taxpayers will be £1.8 billion over the next three years. The Government is due to launch a consultation in the new year, but the Prime Minister has said it will involve a mobile phone app that is used to apply for services such as driving licences, childcare and welfare.

There will be no requirement for individuals to carry their ID or be asked to produce it – but digital ID will be mandatory as a means of proving you have a right to work in the UK, the Government said.