Which term describes a policy that appears neutral but has a disproportionate negative impact on a protected group?

• A. Direct discrimination
• B. Harassment
• C. Indirect discrimination
• D. Stigmatisation

Answer: (C)

Indirect discrimination is when a policy or rule applies to everyone but ends up harming a protected group more than others. It often looks fair on the surface, with no obvious bias, yet the real-world impact falls disproportionately on people with certain characteristics (like race, religion, gender, age, or disability). For example, a rule that all staff must work night shifts may be neutral in wording but can adversely affect those with caregiving responsibilities or religious observances on certain nights. If that impact isn’t justified by a legitimate business aim and a proportionate means, it constitutes indirect discrimination. Direct discrimination would involve explicit unfavorable treatment of someone because of a protected characteristic, harassment is unwanted conduct, and stigmatisation involves labeling a group negatively.