Post Office and Yoti tackle government policy change with new apps

Post Office and Yoti have launched their digital identity apps in response to UK government policy change regarding the use of Digital Identity for Right to Work (RTW) as well as Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS checks.

From April 6, UK citizens looking to start a new job will be able to prove their Right to Work with Post Office EasyID and Yoti digital identity apps. They will also be able to use their digital identity to apply for their Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks online. 

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation conservatively estimates that its member recruitment businesses conduct around 300,000 RTW checks every week, highlighting the potential time and administration cost saved with digital IDs offering instant, paper free identity verification.

Elinor Hull, identity services director at Post Office described the launch as “a landmark moment for the recruitment sector and their successful candidates who can now prove their identity quicker than ever before and potentially start their employment sooner.

“Using our free EasyID app candidates can prove their ID and right to work to their new employer or to apply for a DBS check at the time most convenient for them. Alternatively, if they prefer they can come into one of over 3,000 Post Offices where our Postmasters can use the same technology and help confirm their identity for their DBS check.”

How do they work?

EasyID and Yoti are free digital identity apps designed to make it simpler and safer for people to prove who they are, both online and in person. The organisations says that individuals add their ID document and facial biometrics in a few minutes and have a verified, reusable digital identity that protects their details and can be used in a range of scenarios. Users no longer have to copy, send and share their ID documents, while they say businesses can be confident people are who they say they are. 

EasyID enables individuals to securely share a verified image of their passport with their Digital Identity that enables an employer to store the image and meet the Home Office requirements for ‘statutory excuse’. Also an individual can share their ID and document at a time of their choosing, making the service more convenient. 

To date, more than 2.6m people have joined the Post Office digital ID network with Yoti – including one in five of the UK’s 18-year-old population. The apps are already accepted by a range of organisations including the Jersey Government, Scottish Improvement Service, The NHS, Virgin Atlantic, NSPCC, convenience stores and many more.

 “Together with Post Office, we are transforming the way that people prove their identity in the UK removing friction from ID processes online and reducing the risk of succumbing to identity fraud,” said John Abbott, chief commercial officer at Yoti. “Everyone connected to the recruitment chain can now be assured that their employees are genuine, building transparency and trust.”