4.—(1) In Schedule 1 to the Act of 1965 (computation of period of employment) for paragraphs 1 and 2 (preliminary provisions) there shall be substituted—
“Preliminary
1.—(1) Except so far as otherwise provided by the following provisions of this Schedule, a week which does not count under paragraphs 3 to 5A breaks the continuity of the period of employment.
(2) The provisions of this Schedule apply, subject to section 27, to a period of employment notwithstanding that during that period the employee was engaged in work wholly or mainly outside Northern Ireland, or was excluded by or under this Act from any right conferred by this Act.
(3) A person’s employment during any period shall, unless the contrary is shown, be presumed to have been continuous.
2. Save as otherwise expressly provided, the provisions of this Schedule apply to periods before it comes into force as they apply to later periods.”.
(2) After paragraph 4C of that Schedule there shall be inserted—
“Power to amend paragraphs 3 to 4C by order
4D.—(1) The Department may by order—
(a)amend paragraphs 3 to 4C so as to substitute for each of the references to sixteen hours a reference to such other number of hours less than sixteen as may be specified in the order; and
(b)amend paragraphs 4B and 4C so as to substitute for each of the references to eight hours a reference to such other number of hours less than eight as may be specified in the order.
(2) No order under this paragraph shall be made unless a draft of the order has been laid before and approved by a resolution of the Assembly.
(3) The provisions of any order under this paragraph shall apply to periods before the order takes effect as they apply to later periods.
(4) An order under this paragraph may contain incidental, supplementary and transitional provisions.”.