16.—(1) In any case which involves allegations of sexual misconduct the tribunal may at any time before promulgation of its decision in respect of an originating application, either on the application of a party made by notice to the Secretary or of its own motion, make a restricted reporting order.
(2) In proceedings on a complaint under section 8 of the 1995 Act in which evidence of a personal nature is likely to be heard by the tribunal, it may at any time before promulgation of its decision in respect of an originating application, either on the application of the complainant made by notice to the Secretary or of its own motion, make a restricted reporting order.
(3) Where the tribunal makes a restricted reporting order under paragraph (2) and that complaint is being dealt with together with any other proceedings, the tribunal may direct that the order applies also in relation to those other proceedings or such part of them as the tribunal may direct.
(4) The tribunal shall not make a restricted reporting order unless it has given each party an opportunity to advance oral argument at a hearing, if they so wish.
(5) Where a tribunal makes a restricted reporting order—
(a)it shall specify in the order the persons who may not be identified;
(b)the order shall remain in force until the promulgation of the decision of the tribunal on the originating application to which it relates unless revoked earlier; and
(c)the Regional Secretary shall ensure that a notice of that fact is displayed on the notice board of the tribunal with any list of the proceedings taking place before the employment tribunal, and on the door of the room in which the proceedings affected by the order are taking place.
(6) A tribunal may revoke a restricted reporting order at any time if it thinks fit.
(7) For the purposes of this rule “promulgation” occurs on the date recorded as being the date on which the document recording the determination of the originating application was sent to the parties.