Why Web Accessibility is Relevant for Job Boards (Part 1)

Digital accessibility is becoming increasingly important due to both legal requirements and economic considerations. For job board operators, especially newspaper publishers, trade publishers, and niche job portals, an accessible design presents an opportunity to reach a broader audience and remain competitive in the long term. Applicants with disabilities particularly benefit from improved access to job postings, while operators gain from enhanced usability and better search engine rankings.

Legal Requirements: How UK Laws Impact Online Job Portals

In the UK, web accessibility is covered under the  Equality Act 2010, which legally protects individuals from discrimination. The Act applies to service providers, including job boards, requiring them to make “reasonable adjustments” so that individuals with disabilities are not disadvantaged. The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 also require public sector websites, including government-backed job boards, to comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, Level AA.

While private-sector job boards are not explicitly included in these regulations, failure to ensure accessibility could result in legal complaints, reputational damage, and missed business opportunities.

Why Accessible Job Boards Make Sense Beyond Legal Compliance

Even if UK job boards are not legally required to meet full accessibility standards, following accessibility guidelines provides multiple benefits:

1. Expanded Reach: Around 14 million people in the UK live with some form of disability. Ensuring clear navigation, structured content, and easy readability enhances the user experience and increases conversion rates.

2. SEO Benefits: Accessible websites are often better structured, load faster, and are favoured by search engines.

3. Future-proofing: Employers and job seekers increasingly expect inclusive platforms. Addressing accessibility now ensures flexibility and readiness for potential regulatory changes.

Our Tips & Checklist: How Job Boards Can Prepare Early

Accessibility isn’t as complex as it might sound. Here are some easy-to-implement improvements:

✅ Visual Optimisation

• Use high-contrast colours for buttons, links, and text
• Choose easily readable fonts
• Utilise designated fields for headings, subtitles, and body text
• Provide alternative text for images

 

✅ Content Optimisation

• Ensure well-structured and readable content on landing pages and job postings
• Use simple and clear language
• Create clear call-to-actions (e.g., “Apply Now” instead of “Learn More”)
• Label forms and links explicitly

 

✅ Technical Optimisation – Jobiqo Takes Care of This

• Enable keyboard-friendly navigation
• Implement ARIA elements to make interactive content accessible for screen readers

 

✅ Strategic Advantages

• Highlight accessibility and inclusion topics on info pages for job seekers and employers
• Develop tailored products and services for job seekers with disabilities and inclusive employers
• Plan editorial content, for example, UK Disability History Month (November-December) or National Inclusion Week (September).

 

In the coming months, we’ll take a deeper dive into specific accessibility measures with practical examples. Stay tuned!