GPMU general secretary Tony Dubbins said he had been reassured that so far there were no dissenters among the regional branches and the result would be announced on 2 August.

Amicus general secretary Derek Simpson (pictured) said the bringing together of the two unions was a significant move.

"We see a very good fit between the two of us, as we share similar views on what's needed with regard to improving skills and training."
Simpson said the two unions also shared common views on what the Government should be doing to support manufacturing.

"It's a very natural coming together and enables us to speak with a stronger voice to get our message across," he said.

Dubbins and Simpson discussed the progress of the merger at the unveiling of the GPMU's Union Learning Fund project (ULF), the National Skills Initiative, at the beginning of this week.

The GPMU secured 1.22m of funding from the ULF for its project, which will develop learning and training programmes for its members (PrintWeek, 19 February).

National skills co-ordinator Jim Telford said the initiative would build on the areas of skills for life, vocational training, personal development, education through partnership and build bridges with higher education.

Dubbins said he was bitterly disappointed at the BPIF's decision to pull its support for a statutory levy. 

"They lost their bottle and I believe they have let the industry down," he said.