Have you ever clicked on a website that just didn’t work the way it should? Maybe the text was hard to read, the buttons didn’t respond, or a pop-up blocked the screen with no way to close it. Now imagine facing those kinds of barriers every single day.
For more than 16 million people in the UK living with a disability, this isn’t just an occasional frustration — it’s a constant roadblock. And when websites and digital tools aren’t built with accessibility in mind, they can shut people out entirely.
In the UK, accessibility isn’t just a nice idea. It’s the law. If you run a website, app, or digital service, it’s important to understand the accessibility laws that apply — and what you can do to comply.
1. The UK Accessibility Laws
The Equality Act 2010
This foundational law underpins all UK accessibility laws. It applies to both public and private organizations and protects individuals from discrimination.
If you sell products, offer services, or manage a digital platform, you’re expected to make “reasonable adjustments” so people with disabilities can access what you offer. That includes websites and mobile apps.
Although the law doesn’t spell out technical details, UK courts and regulators typically point to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the benchmark for compliance.
Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018
These regulations strengthen the Equality Act by applying specific digital requirements to public sector websites and apps. They mandate compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA (updated to WCAG 2.2 AA), and require public bodies to:
- Publish an accessibility statement outlining compliance and known issues
- Audit their digital content regularly
- Continuously improve accessibility
These rules apply to government departments, NHS services, schools, and more — with a few exceptions, such as staff-only school websites and certain heritage content.
BS 8878: The UK Accessibility Standard
BS 8878 is a voluntary standard that provides a practical framework for including accessibility in digital projects. It encourages early planning, clear roles, and ongoing testing. While not a legal requirement, it’s a helpful guide for organizations building inclusive systems.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA)
Though the UK has left the EU, the EAA still matters for UK businesses that serve EU customers. If your digital products reach across borders, you may be subject to EU accessibility laws. Failing to comply can lead to legal and financial consequences. Planning for global accessibility from the start is the safest approach.
Understanding WCAG: The Global Accessibility Guide
WCAG are global standards established by the W3C to enhance web accessibility for individuals with various disabilities, including those affecting vision, hearing, mobility, and cognition.
WCAG is designed to help web developers, designers, and content creators make digital experiences usable for people with a wide range of disabilities — including visual, hearing, cognitive, and mobility challenges.
Even though WCAG isn’t a law in itself, it’s the benchmark that courts, regulators, and organizations across the UK (and globally) use to judge accessibility. In fact, both the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Accessibility Regulations rely on WCAG as the go-to standard.
The most current version required by UK public sector regulations is WCAG 2.2 Level AA, though previous versions (like WCAG 2.1) are still widely referenced. Whether you’re in the public or private sector, aiming for Level AA is a smart and future-proof move.
The POUR Principles
WCAG is built around four guiding principles, known as POUR. They form the foundation of accessible digital design:
- Perceivable – Content must be presented in ways users can recognize
- Operable – Users must be able to interact with and navigate your site
- Understandable – Content and navigation must be clear and predictable
- Robust – Content must work across devices, browsers, and assistive technologies
Key WCAG Requirements
Some of the most impactful requirements include:
- Text alternatives for images and media
- Full keyboard navigation support
- Sufficient color contrast
- Clear heading structures and form labels
- Avoiding flashing or blinking content that could trigger seizures
What Compliance Actually Looks Like
Not sure where to begin? Start simple — and build from there.
Run an Accessibility Audit
Start with a self-assessment using tools like WAVE or Google Lighthouse for a high-level review. Follow that with manual testing — screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, and real user feedback can reveal deeper issues that automated tools miss.
Fix the Biggest Barriers First
Focus on fixes that make an immediate difference. This includes:
- Inaccessible forms
- Poor color contrast
- Missing alt text
- Non-descriptive links
- Broken keyboard navigation
These improvements can help people complete key tasks — like contacting you, booking a service, or completing a purchase.
Create and Publish an Accessibility Statement
Public sector organizations are required to do this, but private companies should consider it, too. A good statement includes:
- The WCAG level your site currently meets
- Any areas that still need improvement
- Contact information for accessibility issues
- Your plans for ongoing updates
Train Your Team
Accessibility isn’t just for developers. Writers, designers, marketers, and customer service teams all play a role. Provide training so everyone understands their part and knows how to apply best practices.
Integrate Accessibility into Every Project
The earlier you consider accessibility, the better. Include it in planning documents, design briefs, and test plans from the beginning. It’s easier (and more cost-effective) than fixing issues after launch.
Monitor and Maintain
Accessibility is not a “set it and forget it” task. Whenever you update your site, add a video, or launch a new form, test again. Keep your accessibility statement current, and consider partnering with a team that offers ongoing accessibility monitoring and support.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply With UK Accessibility Laws?
Failing to meet UK accessibility laws can have serious consequences:
- Legal action: Users can take legal steps under the Equality Act — and courts have ruled in their favor.
- Enforcement: Public sector websites are actively monitored and held accountable.
- Costly retrofits: Fixing issues after launch is far more expensive than designing accessibly from the start.
- Reputation risk: Exclusion hurts your brand — and word spreads.
- Lost business: Around 21% of the UK population lives with a disability. If your digital services aren’t accessible, you’re shutting out millions of potential customers.
Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
UK accessibility laws are clear — and so is the need for action. But this isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits. It’s about creating better, fairer digital spaces for everyone.
Accessibility is an investment in your site’s usability, your brand’s reputation, and your organization’s future. Prioritize it now, and you’ll not only meet the law — you’ll lead with inclusion.
At 216digital, we make the journey easier. From in-depth audits and team training to development support and monitoring, we help organizations meet accessibility laws and build digital experiences that work for everyone.
Need help meeting UK accessibility laws? Start with a free consultation from 216digital. Let’s build something better — together.
