British businesses need to prepare now to handle the UK identity cards which will be launched later this year.

Two new identity cards will shortly begin to be issued, starting in the Greater Manchester area. There is already an identity card for Foreign Nationals. The new cards are the National Identity Card for British citizens and the Identification Card for European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals. The cards are valid nationwide so it’s a real possibility that wherever you are in the country, you or one of your staff may need to use them to verify a person’s identity. This could be to prove their age, identity or eligibility to work, and the ‘National Identity Card’ (below), issued to British citizens, can also be used when travelling in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland like a passport.
 

 
The key advantage of the new cards is enhanced security. The information contained on the face of the cards includes a person’s photograph, name, date of birth and signature. The Identity and Passport Service conducts background checks similar to those for a passport to confirm the card holder’s details. The cards also incorporate fingerprints and digital photograph, making identity cards a more secure proof of identity than the range of documents currently used.

 
The’ Identification Card’ (above) is for EEA and Swiss nationals who live in the UK, and exceptionally, for some British citizens. It is for identification purposes only and cannot be used for travel. If the card holder is applying for work in the UK, you will need to confirm their right to work by checking their nationality and by visiting the UK Border Agency website.
 

The ‘Identity Card for Foreign Nationals’ (above) is an immigration document for those from outside the EEA and Switzerland. It is issued by the UK Border Agency and was launched in November 2008. It shows information on immigration status, entitlements and restrictions on working or claiming public funds and clearly states whether or not the holder has a right to work in the UK. To find out more, visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk .

The Identity and Passport Service has created a free pack to help you brief your staff and ready your organisation for identity cards. To request your pack and get more information visit businesslink.gov.uk/idsmart.