The Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT) has announced that its members have voted to merge with Unite.

In a vote, 85.5% of UCATT members were in favour of the merger.

The merged union will serve as one representative body for the whole construction industry.

Over the next few weeks, both unions will be finalising the details with the formal transfer planned for 1^st January 2017.

Len McCluskey, the Unite general secretary, said: “This is a historic moment for the construction industry and the men and women who work in it.

“Bad bosses and construction firms employing sharp practices should beware.

“Our new combined industrial voice will be used to defend the rights of construction workers across the UK and to campaign for secure decent jobs which pay the rate for the job.

“I look forward to working with our new colleagues and welcoming UCATT members into the Unite family.

“Together we will be [a] strong progressive voice for Britain’s construction workers and their industry.”

Brian Rye, UCATT’s acting general secretary, said: “By joining with Unite, the industrial muscle of all construction workers will double overnight, which is good news for all members.

“Employers are going to have to get used to dealing with one voice and one union.

“They need to understand that shoddy and underhand practices, including dismissing workers without warning, exploiting workers by paying them via agencies or umbrella companies and ignoring key safety laws, will not be tolerated and will be exposed.”