Website Accessibility Checklist for UK Businesses

An accessible website is one that people can use whatever their abilities, devices or circumstances. That includes people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive impairments, and also anyone using a phone in bright sunlight or a slow connection. It's good practice, it widens your audience and it protects you from complaints.

In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 expects businesses to make reasonable adjustments so disabled people can access their services, and that includes websites. The usual benchmark is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), commonly at level AA. This guide is a practical starting point and isn't legal advice.

A checklist you can work through

Text and colour

• Contrast. Text should stand out clearly from its background. WCAG AA asks for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5 to 1 for normal text. Free checkers can test your colours.
• Size. Body text of at least 16px, and a layout that still works when users enlarge it.
• Don't rely on colour alone. If errors are marked only in red, add an icon or text.
• Readable fonts and spacing. Plenty of line height and short lines.

Structure

• One main heading (H1) per page, then H2 and H3 in a logical order.
• Descriptive links. "Read our pricing guide" rather than "click here".
• Clear page titles, so screen reader users know where they are.
• A "skip to content" link at the top of the page.

Images and media

• Alt text for informative images, describing what matters. Decorative images can have empty alt text.
• Captions or transcripts for video and audio.
• No auto-playing sound or video, or provide an easy way to stop it.
• Avoid text baked into images. If you must, repeat it in the alt text.

Keyboard and navigation

• Everything works without a mouse. Tab through your site: can you reach every link, menu and button?
• A visible focus outline. Users need to see where they are.
• No traps. Pop-ups and menus must be closable by keyboard.

Forms

• Labels on every field, not just placeholder text that disappears.
• Clear error messages that say what went wrong and how to fix it.
• Don't time people out without warning.
• A confirmation that clearly says the form was sent.

Mobile and zoom

• Responsive design that works on small screens.
• Tap targets large enough to hit comfortably.
• No blocking of zoom.

Motion

• Respect "reduce motion" settings. Avoid flashing content, which can be harmful for some people.
• Keep animations short and purposeful.

How to test

1. Automated tools. Free browser tools and checkers catch many common problems, but not all.
2. Keyboard test. Put your mouse away and try to use the site.
3. Screen reader test. Try a free screen reader, such as the one built into your phone or computer, on your key pages.
4. Zoom test. Zoom to 200% and check nothing breaks.
5. Real users. If you can, ask disabled users to try your site.

Automated tools find only part of the issues, so always add a manual check.

Add an accessibility statement

Publish a short statement that explains what you've done, known issues and how to contact you if someone has trouble. It shows good faith and gives people a way to ask for help.

Where to start

If this feels like a lot, start with the biggest wins:

1. Fix colour contrast.
2. Add alt text to important images.
3. Make sure forms have labels.
4. Test the keyboard path on your homepage and contact page.
5. Add a statement.

Then build accessibility into every redesign. Our website redesign checklist and homepage design checklist cover the same ground from a design angle.

Frequently asked questions

Do all UK businesses have to meet WCAG?

There's no single rule that names WCAG for every private business, but the Equality Act applies to services, and WCAG is the standard most people use to show reasonable effort. Check your own position with a professional.

Does accessibility hurt design?

No. Good accessible design is usually clearer for everyone.

Can you audit our site?

Yes. See our website design service or book a consultation.