The Royal Society of Arts (RSA) must pay almost £7,000 to a former employee who was fired after publicly criticising the charity’s alleged anti-union position.

This is the first time in its 270-year history that the charity has been found guilty of breaking labour law. The RSA maintains it acted in good faith and in the interests of all its staff.

Former head of policy and participation Ruth Hannan was released by the RSA just four days before the end of her three-month notice period in October 2022, having submitted her resignation in July 2022.