Consulting engineer awarded contract fees but claims for distress, psychological injury, and reputational damage dismissed after contentious business exit

The High Court ruled that a consulting engineer was entitled to outstanding contractual payments—including notice, overtime, and standing charges—after his abrupt removal from a professional services arrangement, but dismissed all claims for damages arising from psychological injury, distress, and reputational harm. The court found that the 16-week notice of termination was lawfully given without the need for a reason and that the subsequent request for the engineer to vacate the premises—with only one hour's notice and the involvement of the police—did not amount to breach of contract or negligence. Claims made directly against individual directors were dismissed, with only the company found liable for contract sums. The court held that no damages were recoverable for mental distress or reputational loss in a contract for professional services of this nature, and that the engineer failed to prove causation or foreseeability of ongoing psychological or career loss. The manner of the engineer's departure, which involved heightened workplace tensions, a missing office diary, staff witnessing his removal, and the police escort, added an unusual dimension to the dispute.