The following section is substituted for section 15 of the Principal Act:

"15. Preservation or suspension of certain rights, etc., while on adoptive leave.

(1) While absent from work on adoptive leave, an employee -

(a) shall be deemed to have been in the employment of the employer, and

(b) shall, subject to subsection (6) and section 17, be treated as if the employee had not been so absent,

and the absence shall not affect any right of the employee related to the employment (other than the right to remuneration during the absence), whether conferred by statute, contract or otherwise.

(2) While absent from work on additional adoptive leave an employee -

(a) shall be deemed to have been in the employment of the employer, and

(b) shall, subject to subsection (6) and section 17, be treated as if the employee had not been so absent,

and the absence shall not affect any right or obligation related to the employee's employment (other than the employee's right to remuneration or superannuation benefits or any obligation to pay contributions in or in respect of the employment during the absence), whether conferred or imposed by statute, contract or otherwise.

(3) While absent from work attending pre-adoption classes or meetings in accordance with section 11A, an employee -

(a) shall be deemed to be in the employment of the employer, and