19.—(1) For the purpose of determining entitlement to payment of benefits to or in respect of a member of this scheme who falls within regulation 4(1)(a), the member is taken to be an active member of this scheme during the following periods of unpaid leave—
(a)a career break; and
(b)any other period of unpaid leave—
(i)that does not exceed 5 years; and
(ii)during which the employment relationship continues.
(2) For the purpose of these Regulations, the employment relationship continues during the following periods of unpaid leave—
(a)unpaid leave mentioned in regulation 171(1) (option to pay member contributions for period of unpaid leave) that does not exceed 5 years;
(b)unpaid sick leave that does not exceed 5 years;
(c)a career break;
(d)any other period of unpaid leave—
(i)that does not exceed 5 years; and
(ii)that is approved by the employer as a period in respect of which the employment relationship continues.