Website of the UK government

Access keys and how to use them

Unfortunately, different browsers use access keys in different ways.  In general you need to hold down a key or two, and then press the access key you want.

Browsers for PCs

Firefox 2: Hold down the SHIFT key and the ALT key and then press the number of the access key
Firefox 1.5 for PCs: Hold down the ALT key and press the number of the access key
Opera 9: Hold SHIFT and the ESC key and the list of access keys will appear.
Internet Explorer 5+: Hold down the ALT key, press the number of the access key, release both keys then press ENTER
Internet Explorer 4: Hold down the ALT key and press the number of the access key
Netscape 7: Hold down the ALT key and press the number 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

Browsers for Macs

Firefox 2: Hold down the SHIFT key and the ALT key and then press the number of the access key
Firefox 1.5: Hold down the CTRL key and press the number of the access key
Safari: Hold down the CTRL key and press the number of the access key
Opera 9: Hold SHIFT and the ESC key and the list of access keys will appear.
Internet Explorer 5+: Hold down the CTRL key and press the number of the access key
Internet Explorer 4.5: Access keys are not supported

Access keys on Directgov

Directgov uses the following access keys:

S - Skip navigation
1 - Home page
2 - Newsroom
3 - Site map
6 - Help
7 - Complaints
8 - Terms and conditions
9 - Feedback form
0 - Access key details

Skip navigation on any given page allows you to bypass the navigation areas and go directly to that page's main content.