(1)This section applies to any arrangement—
(a)which relates to pay during absence from work which can be abated on account of benefit unless the benefit is not claimed or paid ; and
(b)which is for the time being approved by the Department.
(2)In this section " benefit" means any of the following, namely—
sickness benefit,
invalidity benefit,
maternity allowance,
injury benefit, and
earnings-related supplement under section 14(7) or 22(4).
(3)A person who, in pursuance of any such arrangement, has not claimed benefit but would have been entitled to the benefit if he had claimed it shall, unless or except so far as regulations provide otherwise, be deemed to be entitled to the benefit for all the purposes of this Act (except so as to confer a right to payment of the benefit).
(4)If the Department so directs, any approval given by it under the former principal Act or the former Industrial Injuries Act, or under any instrument having effect under either of those Acts, is to be treated as if it were approval given under subsection (1) above.