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Access Keys


This is an internal link icon What are access keys ?

This is an internal link icon How do access keys work ?

This is an internal link icon Why use the UK Government standard access keys ?




What are access keys ?

Access keys are keyboard shortcuts which enable users to navigate to important pages within a site, our keyboard shortcuts are:

0 - Access Key Details
1 - Home Page
2 - Not in use
3 - Site Map
4 - Search
5 - Frequently Asked Questions
6 - Help
7 - Complaints Procedure
8 - Terms and Conditions
9 - Online Feedback Form
S - Skip Navigation


How do access keys work ?

Access keys work differently depending on your browser, use one of the following methods to use access keys:

  • Internet Explorer 5+: Hold down the ALT key and select the number/letter of the access key, then press ENTER.

  • Internet Explorer 4: Hold down the ALT key and select the number/letter of the access key.

  • Internet Explorer 5+ for Mac: Hold down the CTRL key and select the number/letter of the access key

  • Internet Explorer 4.5 for Mac: Access keys are not supported.

  • Mozilla: Hold down the ALT key and select the number/letter of the access key.

  • Netscape 6+: Hold down the ALT key and select the number/letter of the access key.

  • Netscape earlier versions: Access keys are not supported.


Why use the UK Government standard access keys ?

It is important that UK Government Websites adopt these standard access keys in order to provide consistency for users. Variations from this would make it more difficult for users as they would have to learn new navigational skills each time they visited a UK government website.