16.—Each of the following shall be void:

(a) any purported termination of or suspension from employment of an adopting parent while absent from work—

(i) on adoptive leave or additional adoptive leave, or

(ii) attending pre-adoption classes or meetings in accordance with section 11A;

(b) any notice of termination of the employment of an adopting parent given during the parent’s absence from work—

(i) on adoptive leave or additional adoptive leave, or

(ii) while attending pre-adoption classes or meetings in accordance with that section,

and expiring after the absence.]