That’s a question some people have sent in – you can share your views on the government’s plans with the BBC here.

Caroline, 61, from Manchester asks: “Why will this work? All companies already have to check ‘right to work documentation’. Why do we need anything more?”

“Any company already not following the existing rules are hardly likely to start when ID cards are introduced,” Caroline says, calling the plan “another complete waste of our money which will be absolutely pointless”.

For context: According to government guidance, external, it’s the employer’s responsibility to check a candidate’s right to work before employment. Since 2022, employers have also been able to carry out checks on passport-holding British and Irish citizens using digital verification services

Mary, 41, from Somerset says “surely” National Insurance numbers are enough.

“Rolling out another scheme will cost billions no doubt and for what? Just stop people coming into the country that have no right to be here,” Mary says.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said earlier that your National Insurance number – which shows your right to work in the UK – will no longer be sufficient to prove your right to work in the UK. Employers will need to see your digital ID.

Asked what difference this will make, Nandy says “it’s a much more rigid system.” The culture secretary argues that because your NI isn’t linked to any kind of photo ID, it’s easier to pass off someone else’s NI as your own.