8. After regulation 25A, insert—
25B.—(1) In the case of workers employed in offshore work, paragraphs (3)–(5) of regulation 4 shall not apply and paragraphs (2) and (3) of this regulation shall apply in their place.
(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the reference period which applies in the case of workers employed in offshore work is—
(a)where a relevant agreement provides for the application of this regulation in relation to successive periods of 52 weeks, each such period; and
(b)in any other case, any period of 52 weeks in the course of his employment.
(3) Where a worker employed in offshore work has worked for his employer for less than 52 weeks, the reference period applicable in his case is the period that has elapsed since he started work for his employer.”