Last laugh

(Photograph) - David Triesman, general secretary of the Association of University Teachers, sees the funny side of life with Christine Cheesman, chief executive of the Association of University and College Lecturers. The unions have just approved a move which will see the 38,000-strong AUT absorb the 3,000-member AUCL on September 1. The AUCL will cease to exist and the AUT will enjoy a combined membership of more than 41,000, making it the only union to represent old and new universities as well as higher education colleges.