25.—(1) During an employee’s absence from work while on protective leave, being an employee who, starting with F55[the commencement of her or his employment with the employer]—

(a) is on probation in that employment, or

(b) is undergoing training in relation to that employment, or

(c) is employed under a contract of apprenticeship,

the probation, training or apprenticeship shall stand suspended during such absence and shall be completed by the employee F55[on his or her return to work after such absence].

(2) The Minister may by regulations prescribe a period or periods of training in relation to which subsection (1) shall not apply.