More than 150,000 finance workers will start voting today on whether to move towards the creation of a "super union" for their industry.

Members of Unifi are being balloted on a proposed merger with Amicus, which already represents 1.2 million workers.

Unifi general secretary Ed Sweeney said: "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."

Derek Simpson, general secretary of Amicus, said: "This is a sensible, logical move, bringing together finance workers and enhancing service to members all round.

"It is a coming together to address the problems facing all finance workers. I think this is a very exciting time."

The result of the ballot will be announced next month.

Thursday April 15, 2004