It combines the expertise of the Institution of Professionals, Managers and Specialists (IPMS) with the Engineers’ and Managers’ Association (EMA).

Headed jointly by the general secretaries of both former unions - Paul Noon and Tony Cooper - Prospect aims to set the standard for first class support to members on all employment related issues.

According to statistics from the Engineering Council’s survey 2000, 7.7% of engineers are Prospect members, making it the biggest UK union for professional engineers; Unison represents 6.7% and MSF 3.9%.

Growth is, says Noon, an area that Prospect seeks to build on. "From Madonna to Michael Owen, everyone needs an agent at work. Prospect has the will, skill and resources to recruit in the growing area of the economy of professional and skilled employment.

"Our vision is to create a better life at work for members. If we can do this and prove our relevance to the employment needs of professionals and specialists in the public and private sectors, Prospect will be as successful as IPMS and EMA were in the past."

This will mean that the focus of the union will be on "fair pay systems, better conditions at work, representing individuals and winning recognition for skills and ability."

"Our aim is simply to be the best at what we do," says Tony Cooper. "Prospect inherits the sound finances of both former organisations and combines their ability to influence matters of concern to members. Our existing members value the high levels of service they receive – we believe that other professional staff will soon discover what Prospect has to offer."

Prospect is also an experienced campaigning organisation. It will use its members’ expertise within the 340-plus employers where the union is already recognised to represent their views on issues such as the future of air traffic control, quality of public services and energy policy.

Members were balloted on the merger in July and overwhelmingly endorsed the creation of the new union; 85 per cent of IPMS and 90 per cent of EMA members voted in favour.

The new union’s members work in agriculture, defence, energy, environment, heritage, industry, law and order, science, shipbuilding and transport.

Prospect is not affiliated to any political party.