New web accessibility laws are heading to the UK. By 2026, more businesses will need to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities. This isn't just about being nice. It's becoming a legal requirement.
The European Accessibility Act comes into force in June 2025, with UK implementation expected by 2026. While we're still waiting for exact details post-Brexit, the direction is clear. Web accessibility is moving from optional to mandatory for many businesses.
What Is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility means designing websites so everyone can use them. That includes people who are blind, deaf, have motor difficulties, or cognitive differences.
Think about someone who can't use a mouse and relies on keyboard navigation. Or someone who uses screen reader software to hear what's on the page. Your website needs to work for them too.
The global standard is called WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Version 2.2 is current, with three levels: A, AA, and AAA. Most laws require AA compliance.
Who Needs to Comply?
The exact scope for the UK isn't finalised yet. But based on EU rules, these businesses will likely need accessible websites:
- Online shops (e-commerce)
- Banking and financial services
- Transport and travel booking
- Accommodation bookings
- Streaming and digital media
- Telecommunications
- Any business over a certain size threshold
Small businesses might get exemptions, but don't count on it. Making your site accessible now is smart planning.
The Big Changes in WCAG 2.2
WCAG 2.2 added new requirements that affect most websites:
Focus appearance - When someone tabs through your site, the focused element needs clear visual indication. A thin blue outline often isn't enough anymore.
Dragging movements - Any drag-and-drop features need an alternative method. Not everyone can drag things around a screen.
Target size - Clickable elements need to be big enough or have enough space around them. Small buttons are harder for people with motor difficulties.
Page break navigation - For long content split across pages, users need consistent ways to navigate.
These aren't massive changes, but they do require attention to detail.
What This Means for Your Website
If your site falls under the new rules, you'll need:
Alt text for all images - Screen readers need descriptions of what images show. Decorative images can have empty alt text.
Proper heading structure - Use H1, H2, H3 tags in logical order. Don't skip levels or use headings just for styling.
Keyboard navigation - Every interactive element needs to work with just a keyboard. Tab through your site and check.
Good colour contrast - Text needs enough contrast against backgrounds. There are tools to check this automatically.
Clear link text - "Click here" tells screen reader users nothing. Use descriptive text like "download our pricing guide".
Form labels - Every form field needs a proper label that's connected to the input.
For many WordPress websites, plugins can help with basic accessibility. But they're not magic fixes. Good design and content matter more.
Getting Your Website Ready
Start with an audit. Our free website audit tool checks for some basic accessibility issues alongside other problems.
Common fixes include:
- Adding alt text to images
- Improving heading structure
- Fixing colour contrast issues
- Making forms more accessible
- Ensuring keyboard navigation works
Don't try to fix everything at once. Prioritise the biggest barriers first. A screen reader user who can't navigate your menu is stuck completely. Low colour contrast is annoying but not a total blocker.
The Timeline
- June 2025 - European Accessibility Act takes effect
- 2026 - Expected UK implementation
- Ongoing - Enforcement ramps up gradually
We don't have exact dates for UK rules yet. But waiting until the last minute is risky. Accessibility improvements take time to implement properly.
Beyond Compliance
Here's the thing about accessibility. It usually makes websites better for everyone.
Clear headings help all users scan content. Good colour contrast is easier on everyone's eyes. Keyboard navigation helps power users who prefer shortcuts.
Plus, accessible sites often perform better in search engines. Google's algorithms favour well-structured content with proper headings and clear navigation.
Getting Help
Web accessibility can feel overwhelming. But you don't need to become an expert overnight.
Focus on the basics first. Get your heading structure right. Add alt text to images. Make sure your site works with a keyboard. Fix obvious colour contrast problems.
For complex sites or regulated industries, consider professional help. We include accessibility best practices in all our website maintenance packages and can audit existing sites for compliance issues.
The key is starting early. Accessibility is easier to build in from the beginning than bolt on later.
Web accessibility isn't just about avoiding legal trouble. It's about making the web work for everyone. And that's something worth doing well.
Want to check how accessible your current site is? Try our website audit tool for a quick assessment of common issues.