On July 1, 1978, all officers and employees who were engaged immediately prior to such date in the performance of powers, duties and functions of the division of personnel of the department of administration and who, in the opinion of the secretary of administration, are necessary to perform the powers, duties and functions transferred to the division of personnel services and to the director of personnel services under this act shall become officers and employees of the division of personnel services of the department of administration. Any such officer or employee shall retain all retirement benefits and rights of civil service which had accrued to or vested in such officer or employee prior to July 1, 1978, and the services of each such officer or employee so transferred shall be deemed to have been continuous. All transfers and any abolishments of positions of personnel in the classified civil service under the Kansas civil service act shall be in accordance with civil service laws and any rules and regulations adopted thereunder.