"In camera" employment tribunal

[zeitgit]

I've moved from Employment Law threads. I now have specific legal queries.
I took the Probation Service to employment tribunal. I lost and costs were awarded against me.
Q. When is it legal to hold part of an hearing "in camera"?
Q. When can it be legal for the applicant to be excluded from that part-hearing?
Q. When, in law, can the existence of such meetings be kept secret from the appellant?
Q. On whose authority?
Q. An employment tribunal is listed for three days. Decision is reached on second day, third day was spent in chambers. What can I deduce from this? (I have my own idea.)
If anyone could enlighten me or point me to the relevant legislature. It would appear to be well-hidden on the web.Many thanks.

[Amethyst]

Re: "In camera" employment tribunal

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reques...lon%201716.doc

http://www.employmentappeals.gov.uk/...135fhMLNZT.doc

I do not know anything about employment tribunals but thought the above human rights info might be of use.


http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2004/20041861.htm#16a

Hearings which may be held in private
16. - (1) A hearing or part of one may be conducted in private for the purpose of hearing from any person evidence or representations which in the opinion of the tribunal or chairman is likely to consist of information -

• (a) which he could not disclose without contravening a prohibition imposed by or by virtue of any enactment;
  
  (b) which has been communicated to him in confidence, or which he has otherwise obtained in consequence of the confidence placed in him by another person; or
  
  (c) the disclosure of which would, for reasons other than its effect on negotiations with respect to any of the matters mentioned in section 178(2) of TULR(C)A, cause substantial injury to any undertaking of his or any undertaking in which he works.

(2) Where a tribunal or chairman decides to hold a hearing or part of one in private, it or he shall give reasons for doing so. A member of the Council on Tribunals (in Scotland, a member of the Council on Tribunals or its Scottish Committee) shall be entitled to attend any Hearing or pre-hearing review taking place in private in his capacity as a member.

[zeitgit]

Re: "In camera" employment tribunal

That link most helpful. I've just read Sec.54 and The Register 32.(1). Hmm.

[zeitgit]

Re: "In camera" employment tribunal

I've found the legislation I'd been looking for.

[Amethyst]

Re: "In camera" employment tribunal

which is it?

[zeitgit]

Re:"in camera" employment tribunal

Hi Amethyst.
Looks like I was given an "edited" version of the ET decision, which can only suggest cover-up. I'm confused. Some documents say I should be informed of any part of proceedings being held in camera. Other documents would appear to suggest otherwise. I'll let you know once I've done some more research.
Zeitgit