ECA merger talks to include Scots and plumbers

Employer organisation merger talks between electrical contractors and heating and ventilating firms are being expanded to include their Scottish counterparts and the plumbing sector.

David Pollock, group chief executive at the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), said: "Dialogue around convergence has begun between the ECA and the Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association (HVCA). But clearly it could have implications for all building services trades both north and south of the Border."

He said the separate Scottish electrical employers (SELECT), the plumbing contractors association (APHC), and the Scottish and Northern Ireland plumbing employers (SNIPEF) would be kept closely informed. "We hope they will wish to be involved," he added.

The chances of uniting the employer bodies are viewed with scepticism in some quarters. A merger is fraught with difficulties. Observers have pointed to the fact that the ECA holds assets totalling £85m, while the HVCA assets add up to just £14m.