This follows the overwhelming backing of the ‘New Union’ project at the conferences of all three unions earlier this year, where it was agreed that the final decision would be made by members in separate ballots in 2017.

The latest talks have focused on membership services, democratic structures, finances, and organisational issues. It has been agreed that all the existing branches of each union – along with their rules and standing orders – would be carried into the new organisation.

The broad shape of a new union was presented to delegates at the three delegate conferences, which took place in April and May 2016. The PSEU represents civil service middle management grades, while the CPSU represents clerical workers in the civil service and semi-state sectors.