(1) During a period of absence from work by an employee while on -

(a) maternity leave,

(b) subsection (1)(a) leave, as defined in section 16(3), or

(c) leave granted under section 18,

and during a period of natal care absence, the employee shall be deemed to have been in the employment of the employer and, accordingly, while so absent the employee shall, subject to subsection (6) and section 24, be treated as if she or he had not been so absent; and such absence shall not affect any right (other than, except in the case of natal care absence, the employee's right to remuneration during such absence), whether conferred by statute, contract or otherwise, and related to the employee's employment.

(2) In respect of a period of absence from work by an employee while on

(a) additional maternity leave,

(b) subsection (1)(b) leave, as defined in section 16, or