Websites are more than just online brochures; they are essential tools for communication, commerce, and public services. For millions of people living with disabilities, accessing these digital spaces isn’t always straightforward. That’s why accessibility isn’t just a matter of good practice — in the UK, it’s increasingly a legal requirement.
If you’re responsible for a website or digital service, it’s important to understand what UK law expects when it comes to web accessibility. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Equality Act 2010: The Foundation of Accessibility Law
The core piece of legislation governing accessibility in the UK is the Equality Act 2010. This Act replaced previous disability discrimination laws and aims to protect individuals from unfair treatment in all areas of public life, including in the digital realm.
What does it mean for websites?
Under the Equality Act, businesses, service providers, and organizations must not discriminate against people with disabilities. This includes the requirement to make “reasonable adjustments” so that disabled users are not put at a disadvantage. That applies to physical locations and digital environments including websites and mobile apps.
A real-world example:
If someone using a screen reader cannot navigate your website because it lacks proper headings or alt text, and they cannot complete a purchase or submit a form, that could be considered discriminatory under the law.
Who does it apply to?
Everyone. The Equality Act covers all sectors: public, private, and non-profit organisations. Whether you’re running a major retail site, a charity blog, or an online service for booking appointments the law applies.
Public Sector Accessibility Regulations 2018: Specific Rules for Public Bodies
While the Equality Act provides a broad legal requirement, public sector organizations are also bound by an additional set of accessibility rules: the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
These regulations go further by requiring public sector websites and mobile apps to meet a technical accessibility standard.
What is required?
- Compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA
All public sector websites and apps must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA — a global standard for digital accessibility.
- An Accessibility Statement
Organizations must publish an accessibility statement outlining how accessible the site is, what’s being done to improve it, and how users can report problems.
Who does it apply to?
These regulations apply to:
- Government departments and agencies
- Local authorities and councils
- NHS trusts and healthcare providers
- Universities, colleges, and most schools
- Publicly funded institutions
There are some limited exemptions for archive content or very old systems, but most new and updated content must comply.
Legal Enforcement and Consequences
You might be wondering: what happens if a website doesn’t comply?
For public sector organisations:
The Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) monitors websites and mobile apps for compliance. If issues are found, organizations may be asked to fix them — and non-compliance could be reported to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which has enforcement powers.
For private sector organisations:
While there is no direct WCAG enforcement for private companies, the Equality Act still applies. Individuals who are disadvantaged by an inaccessible site may take legal action. There’s also growing pressure from consumers, advocacy groups, and industry bodies to adopt accessibility as standard.
What Counts as a “Reasonable Adjustment”?
The law doesn’t list exact rules for what counts as a reasonable adjustment, but it generally includes:
- Adding alt text to images for screen readers
- Ensuring keyboard navigation works across the site
- Using accessible colours, fonts, and layouts
- Avoiding auto-play video or flashing content
- Providing captions or transcripts for audio and video
- Fixing semantic HTML for better compatibility with assistive tech
Importantly, what is “reasonable” may depend on your size and resources — a small business may not be held to the same expectations as a large tech company, but some level of accessibility is still expected from all.
Why Accessibility Matters Beyond Compliance
Legal compliance is important, but accessibility also brings a host of other benefits:
- Wider reach: Around 1 in 5 people in the UK have a disability; improving accessibility can directly grow your audience.
- Better user experience for all: Good accessibility often overlaps with good usability. Clear navigation, readable text, and thoughtful design help everyone.
- Improved SEO: Many accessibility practices like proper heading structure and alt text also improve search engine rankings.
- Brand reputation: Demonstrating inclusivity can build trust and credibility with customers and stakeholders.
In Summary
Yes, websites in the UK are legally required to be accessible:
- The Equality Act 2010 applies to all sectors and requires “reasonable adjustments” to prevent digital discrimination.
- The Accessibility Regulations 2018 require public sector websites and apps to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards and publish accessibility statements.
In short, accessibility is not just a recommendation, it’s a legal and ethical obligation. Whether you’re a public body, a private business, or a nonprofit, ensuring your website is accessible helps you meet the law, support your users, and create a more inclusive digital world.
