The merger of two education unions has not been ruled out as they announce a new agreement which brings them closer together.

A newly-formed organisation, the Association of Managers in Education - to be known as AMiE - will allow the Assocation for College Management (ACM) and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) to share their member services.

A spokesman for AMiE said: “This is currently not a merger of the two unions although this may be a possibility in the future if members vote in favour. In the meantime, branches will continue to be run separately.”

Peter Pendle, general secretary of the ACM, said: “What leaders and managers require from their trade union is often different from that of other workers.

“And yet many trade unionists have a tremendous loyalty to the organisation that has supported and represented them through the early stages of their career.

“ATL has recognised this and in entering into this partnership with ACM will be able to provide a bespoke, professional service to its members in senior roles.”