Joint leader of the Amicus trade union, Roger Lyons, is considering extending his term of office by at least a year, following the election of Derek Simpson as co-general secretary.

He is said to be concerned at the union's possible change of direction, which has in the past been loyal to the Blair government. When he does stand down, expected in 2004, it will leave Simpson as the only leader of the union.

Amicus, which was formed by the merger of the AEEU and the MSF unions, is also said to be in talks for a further merger with Unifi, the banking union.