Illegal employment is a widespread issue in the UK, often overlooked and underestimated. With a staggering value of around £180 billion, this underground economy is predominantly driven by unscrupulous employers who take advantage of undocumented workers. This exploitation not only suppresses wages across various sectors but also circumvents tax obligations that law-abiding citizens adhere to.
The problem is exacerbated by the outdated and easily manipulated paper-based verification systems used by landlords, employers, and financial institutions. The complexity of the rules surrounding status verification leads to widespread errors, creating a fertile ground for criminal organizations to thrive. Fake passports are being sold for exorbitant prices, with arrests related to illegal employment surging by 51% in the past year.
To combat this illicit activity, the government is moving towards implementing Digital ID technology. By integrating Digital ID effectively, the system can accurately identify eligible individuals for work, housing, and banking transactions in real-time. This approach aims to eliminate the loopholes that currently enable illegal practices and dismantle the foundation on which exploitative employers operate.
Digital ID has proven successful in other countries like Estonia and India, where it significantly reduced undeclared work and enhanced access to secure services for millions. By transitioning to Digital ID, the UK can modernize its approach to immigration control and tackle illegal labor effectively.
While some critics advocate for e-visas as a solution, Digital ID offers a more comprehensive and foolproof method of identification. Unlike e-visas, Digital ID is universal, tamper-proof, and instantaneous, directly linking immigration status to everyday transactions. This holistic approach not only strengthens border security but also disrupts illegal work practices more effectively.
The ultimate goal of Digital ID implementation is to diminish illegal job opportunities, elevate wages, and create a level playing field for law-abiding workers. While rogue employers may persist, Digital ID will significantly reduce their ability to exploit vulnerable individuals.
With the government’s endorsement of Digital ID, the focus now shifts to its successful implementation to dismantle the underground economy and foster a fairer, more robust society.