- Leading digital accessibility expert urges UK retailers to ‘act now’ ahead of June 2025 regulation overhaul
- He warns web accessibility and inclusivity should be part of a long-term strategy and isn’t to be taken lightly to stay ahead of the curve
- Top industries impacted by web accessibility lawsuits include retail, healthcare, catering, education and finance
- The Coders Guild are offering free training sessions for those businesses who don’t know where to start
The retail industry is amongst the top 10 industries in the UK impacted by accessibility lawsuits, with almost three quarters of disabled online consumers (69%) clicking away from websites that they find difficult to use due to the effect of their disability.
As the June 2025 deadline for the European Accessibility Act (EAA) approaches, UK organisations are being urged to take action now to avoid legal and financial risks.
While the UK is no longer bound by EU law, any business selling digital products or services into the EU must meet strict accessibility standards – including keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and multimedia accessibility. Failure to comply could mean costly lawsuits, lost customers, and reputational damage.
A 2024 study revealed that 72% of disabled users in the UK abandon inaccessible websites, representing a potential £17 billion loss in revenue for UK businesses.
The upcoming legislation, which significantly raises the bar for how organisations must approach digital accessibility, will affect all sectors, particularly those with public-facing websites, apps, and internal systems. It mandates that all digital products and services meet stricter accessibility standards, ensuring they are fully usable by people with disabilities.
For the first time, the rules will also extend to internal systems and workplace technologies – emphasising that accessibility must be embedded into the entire employee experience, not just customer-facing platforms.
As the UK prepares to implement sweeping changes to the new digital accessibility compliances, a leading voice in technology skills development and web and accessibility, Crispin Read, founder of The Coders Guild, is calling on businesses to act now – or risk non-compliance, reputational damage and financial penalties.
He says:
“These new regulations mark a pivotal shift. It’s not just about making your website compliant; it’s about creating an inclusive digital environment for everyone – customers and employees alike.”
“Accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good business and far too many businesses are unaware of the scale of change that’s coming, and time is running out to get up to speed.”
Top tips to for UK businesses to prepare for the new digital accessibility regulations:
- Audit All Digital Assets – Begin with a thorough accessibility audit of your website, apps, and internal platforms. Understand where your organisation stands and where it falls short of compliance.
- Train Your Teams – Upskill your teams in accessible coding practices, inclusive design, and assistive technologies. Partnering with specialists like The Coders Guild ensures long-term, sustainable improvements.
- Embed Accessibility into Workplace Culture – Look beyond digital. Review hiring practices, internal communication tools, and physical office accessibility. Accessibility must be part of every employee’s experience.
- Don’t Wait for a Deadline – The June 2025 deadline is fast approaching. Early action can save costs, avoid disruption, and demonstrate your commitment to inclusion.
In response, The Coders Guild and Brand Ambition, a Leeds-based digital marketing agency, have launched a joint initiative offering free accessibility audits throughout June and July.
These audits provide practical, actionable insights based on EAA and WCAG standards, helping SMEs and charities identify compliance gaps, improve usability and even boost SEO performance.
For more information, or to arrange a free digital accessibility readiness audit, please contact visit: https://thecodersguild.org.uk/course-directory/accessibility-essentials-for-digital-products/
