Except as provided in section 599.690 of these regulations for trade rate classes, a permanent or probationary employee who without a break in service moves to a class with a lower salary range may receive, if recommended by the appointing power, and approved by the Department, a rate above the minimum provided it does not exceed the rate the employee last received.

Such movement may be in the same or to another agency and may be by appointment from an employment list, temporary appointment, voluntary demotion, disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement under Government Code section 19140. The provisions of this section do not apply to demotion in lieu of layoff or demotion under Government Code section 19253.5 after medical examination.