Everything you need to know about UK Equality Act 2010 web accessibility requirements. WCAG 2.2 compliance for UK public and private sector websites. Free UK compliance checker included.
The Equality Act 2010 is a UK law that legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. It requires service providers, including websites and mobile apps, to make reasonable adjustments for disabled users. This means UK websites must be accessible to people with disabilities.
The UK government recommends WCAG 2.2 Level AA as the standard for web accessibility compliance under the Equality Act. The Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR) specifically require public sector websites to meet WCAG 2.2 AA.
The UK government recommends WCAG 2.2 Level AA as the standard for web accessibility compliance under the Equality Act.
The Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR) implement the EU Web Accessibility Directive in the UK. They require:
| Feature | UK Equality Act | EAA (Europe) |
|---|---|---|
| Region | United Kingdom | 27 EU Member States |
| Scope | All service providers | Private sector (e-commerce, banking, transport, telecom) |
| Standard | WCAG 2.2 AA (PSBAR) | EN 301 549 (WCAG 2.1 AA) |
| Status | Active since 2010 | Enforced June 28, 2025 |
| Enforcement | EHRC | National regulators |
| Private Sector | Reasonable adjustments | Full compliance required |
All service providers in the UK must comply with the Equality Act 2010, including:
Failure to comply with the UK Equality Act 2010 can result in:
Use AccessiTool's ADA compliance checker (which tests against WCAG standards) to scan your website against WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards. Get a detailed report of violations and fixes.
Public sector websites must publish an accessibility statement. Private sector businesses are also encouraged to publish one.
Keep records of scans, fixes, and accessibility statements. This documentation is your defense against enforcement actions.
Run monthly compliance scans to catch new violations from content updates and code changes. Schedule annual accessibility audits.
The Equality Act 2010 is a UK law that legally protects people from discrimination. It requires service providers, including websites, to make reasonable adjustments for disabled users.
The UK government recommends WCAG 2.2 Level AA for public sector websites. Private sector must make reasonable adjustments based on WCAG standards.
All service providers in the UK, including private businesses, public sector, charities, and educational institutions.
The Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR) require UK public sector websites to meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA and publish accessibility statements. They implement the EU Web Accessibility Directive in the UK.
Penalties include lawsuits, EHRC enforcement, court orders, damages, and unlimited fines. Individuals can take legal action for discrimination.
Use our free ADA compliance checker (which tests against WCAG standards) to scan your website against WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards. Get a detailed report of violations and fixes in 60 seconds.
This article is for general informational purposes and isn't legal advice. UK Equality Act compliance obligations and enforcement can vary by jurisdiction and entity type, so consult qualified legal counsel for guidance specific to your situation.
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