ID card scheme 'flawed' says CBI

The CBI has branded the government’s identity card scheme "insufficiently thought out".

And businesses may be left to carry the can if it fails, the organisation has warned.

The CBI, which represents British business, gave its support to ID cards in principle but expressed grave concerns about the current proposals.

Following a major consultation with its members, the CBI said employers are ready to back an ID scheme - but the current plan is "vague and insufficiently thought-out".

The body is particularly concerned that the government will not accept liability when companies use incorrect information contained on the ID registry.

It claims this could expose firms to time-consuming court cases and damaging legal bills for errors that are no fault of their own.

CBI deputy director general John Cridland said: "Businesses share the government's concern that not having a reliable means of proving identity makes us all more vulnerable to criminals and terrorists.

"ID cards could improve security and make access to public services more efficient.

"Companies want a universal identity-authentication system but they are concerned that the government has not appreciated the dangers of driving through a vague and insufficiently thought-out plan.

"Employers cannot be ID card enforcers. They just want to be sure that when a would-be employee hands over ID, the system is on place to guarantee the employer can rely on what's in front of them."

Cridland said that unless employers are sure they can trust the system - and they will not be penalised for relying on incorrect data - it will be fatally undermined.

"If the government hasn't got the confidence to take responsibility for its own scheme then why should companies and individuals have that confidence," he added.