correct tense {continues} or {will continue}

[ansonman]

I have made up the sentences below.

(1a) I said to Jack, "In his new job, Bill has been working on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am not sure if this pattern continues."

(1b) I said to Jack, "In his new job, Bill has been working on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am not sure if this pattern will continue."

Most of my non-native friends think either tense of "continue" works. I am not sure if they are correct. Please help me.

Thank you.

[Alan]

(b)