Prospect’s merged membership will grow to more than 140,000, with BECTU forming its largest sector, which will incorporate Prospect’s Communications, Media and Digital membership, including thousands of managers and specialists working for BT. The new BECTU sector will have over 40,000 members.

“This result is the best possible news for both sets of members and follows two years of extensive negotiations,” said Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy.

“Joining forces puts us in the strongest possible position to deal with the challenges we face as well as securing the best possible service for the combined membership.

“The two unions have much in common, not least in our expertise in the fields of communications and media, and we will quickly adapt to working together, with both organisations being the product of previous successful mergers.

“We will respect each other’s cultures and recognise there is a great deal we can learn from each other. Indeed, BECTU is joining with Prospect from a position of strength, having seen an impressive 12% growth in membership over the last two years.”

Gerry Morrissey, BECTU’s general secretary added: “Today’s decision by BECTU members will strengthen the new BECTU sector going forward.

“The pooling of our resources and experience with those of our new colleagues in Prospect will enable BECTU to provide an even better service for members; we’ll also be able to reach out to even more of the thousands of creative sector workers across media and entertainment who need advice and representation.”