Website Accessibility: What UK Businesses Most Often Get Wrong

The challenge: a website that works for some, not all

Many people in the UK live with a disability that affects how they use the web, from sight and hearing loss to motor and cognitive conditions. If your website is hard to use with a screen reader, a keyboard or zoomed-in text, you are turning customers away.

Under the Equality Act 2010, service providers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, and this is widely understood to include websites. Public sector bodies have specific accessibility regulations. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the recognised standard.

The most common problems

Images without alternative text

Screen readers cannot describe an image unless it has alt text. Decorative images should be marked so they are skipped.

Poor colour contrast

Light grey text on white, or white text over a busy photo, is hard for many people to read.

Forms without labels

Placeholder text that disappears when you type is not a label. Every field needs a clear, linked label and helpful error messages.

Keyboard traps

Some menus, pop-ups and cookie banners cannot be used or closed without a mouse.

Vague links

Links that just say "click here" or "read more" make no sense when read out of context.

Missing headings structure

Headings help screen reader users navigate. Using bold text instead of real headings removes that structure.

Why it keeps happening

Websites change constantly. A site that was checked at launch can drift as new pages, plugins and images are added. Without regular checks, problems creep back in.

Practical steps

1. Run an automated scan to find common issues quickly.
2. Test with a keyboard only: can you reach and use everything?
3. Check contrast on text, buttons and text over images.
4. Add alt text and labels as part of publishing, not afterwards.
5. Publish an accessibility statement explaining what you support and how to get help.
6. Re-check regularly, ideally weekly or after major changes.

Automated tools find many issues, but not all. Testing with real users gives the fullest picture.

How ComplianceCheck helps

ComplianceCheck scans your website for accessibility, cookie consent, UK GDPR, security, email spoofing, SEO and privacy policy issues, with AI guidance on how to fix each one. Weekly monitoring alerts you when new problems appear, and a sealed evidence vault helps you show the steps you have taken.

Key takeaways

• Accessibility is good for customers and reduces legal risk.
• Alt text, contrast, labels and keyboard access fix many common problems.
• Websites drift, so check regularly.
• Combine automated scans with real-world testing.

Run your first scan free, no account needed.