(1) In this Part -

"natal care absence" in relation to an employee, means a period of absence from her work to which the employee is entitled in accordance with regulations under section 15; and

"protective leave" means - (a) maternity leave; (b) additional maternity leave; (c) leave to which a father or other parent is entitled under subsection (1) or subsection (4) of section 16; or (d) leave granted under section 18.

(2) Where protective leave of one description is immediately followed by protective leave of another description, the time on leave shall be treated for the purposes of this Part as one continuous period of protective leave.