Andrew Woodhead v WTTV Limited & Anor

Andrew Woodhead v WTTV Limited & Anor

The claim for misuse of private information fails because the disclosure by NPQ and the use by WTTV Limited were justified, proportionate, and within the scope of legitimate disciplinary procedures. WTTV Limited was not vicariously liable for NPQ's disclosure. However, the employer breached its duty of care by failing to inform the claimant that certain complaints would not proceed, and by insisting on unnecessary procedural steps during the claimant's ill health, which materially contributed to his psychiatric injury. The injury was indivisible and not apportionable.

Parties
Claimant: Andrew Woodhead; Defendant: WTTV Limited; Defendant: NBC Universal International Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
05 December 2025
Procedural Posture
Civil / Liability Judgment; Quantum Outstanding
Outcome
Claim for misuse of private information dismissed; claim in negligence succeeds to the extent set out; quantum to be determined.
Legal Topics
Misuse of Private Information, Negligence, Vicarious Liability, Employer's Duty of Care, Disciplinary Procedures, Psychiatric Injury
Employment Law Tort Law Misuse of Private Information Negligence Vicarious Liability Employer's Duty of Care Disciplinary Procedures Psychiatric Injury

Case Brief

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Parties

Andrew Woodhead

Claimant

WTTV Limited

Defendant

NBC Universal International Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Liability Judgment; Quantum Outstanding

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the disclosure and use of the claimant's private information by the complainant and employer amounted to actionable misuse of private information or breach of confidence
  2. 2 Whether the employer breached its duty of care in the conduct of disciplinary proceedings, causing foreseeable psychiatric injury to the claimant

Ratio Decidendi

The claim for misuse of private information fails because the disclosure by NPQ and the use by WTTV Limited were justified, proportionate, and within the scope of legitimate disciplinary procedures. WTTV Limited was not vicariously liable for NPQ's disclosure. However, the employer breached its duty of care by failing to inform the claimant that certain complaints would not proceed, and by insisting on unnecessary procedural steps during the claimant's ill health, which materially contributed to his psychiatric injury. The injury was indivisible and not apportionable.

Court Disposition

Claim for misuse of private information dismissed; claim in negligence succeeds to the extent set out; quantum to be determined.

Orders

  • Claim for breach of privacy/confidentiality dismissed
  • Claim in negligence succeeds as to liability; quantum to be determined at a further hearing