ICE and IHIE merger moves a step closer

A merger between the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers (IHIE) could be in place as early as next month.

Talks, which began in October 2001, are now at such a stage that the proposals are ready to be discussed by the Councils of the
respective Institutions in the next few weeks. If both parties agree to the merger in principle, all members will be balloted for a decision.

The merger is in line with the objectives of the Future Framework Presidential Commission, and consistent with the ICE's commitment to vertical integration.

Both the membership and staff of the two bodies would merge if the proposal is approved, while Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) regulations would also apply.

ICE acting chief executive Amar Bhogal said: "The proposed merger of ICE and IHIE offers many potential benefits to the members and staff of both organisations, including enhanced sharing of expertise and resources.

"I will be commending the proposal to the ICE Council in June, and hope that this excellent opportunity can proceed to a ballot of both Institutions' members as soon as possible."

Bhogal added that no staff from either institution would face redundancy or reduced terms as a result of this merger.

"I can also guarantee that full transitional arrangements would be put in place before any merger were to take place," he added.

The ICE has nearly 80,000 members worldwide, while IHIE boasts approximately 3,500 - the majority of whom are incorporated engineers.