Members of the Unifi trade union are voting on whether to allow a merger with the Amicus union to go ahead.

It follows a special conference held by Unifi last month, at which representatives not only backed the ballot, but encouraged members to vote in favour of the merger.

Unifi is the largest trade union specialising in the finance sector.  While it is a member of the TUC, it is not affiliated to any political party.

Amicus was itself created through the merger of the MSF and AEEU trade unions.  The largest union representing technical and manufacturing workers, it has 50,000 insurance members and close links with the Labour Party.

"It has always been our aim to create a single union for the finance sector, and a merger with Amicus takes a mighty step forward in that direction," said Unifi general secretary Ed Sweeney.

Amicus general secretary Derek Simpson agreed.

"This is a sensible, logical move, bringing together finance workers and enhancing service to members all round," he said.

"It is a coming together to address the problems facing all finance workers.

"I think this is a very exciting time."

The results of the ballot are expected next month.

If the merger goes ahead in July as proposed, finance would be the largest section within Amicus, but would still be called Unifi. 

A main priority would be to target the 750,000 workers within the finance sector not represented by a trade union.