Radical plans to replace UMIST and the University of Manchester with a single university have been cautiously welcomed by academics at both institutions.

Staff at both universities - who knew about the ongoing review but were shocked by the extent of the proposals when they were revealed yesterday - say this could be a positive move for the city.

They believe the new institution - based on the combined teaching and research strengths of the existing universities - would become one of the most significant universities in the world.

But they are anxious to secure assurances that existing working conditions are protected and that there will be no compulsory redundancies.

The views of the union representatives will be crucial in the four-month consultation process, before the governing bodies of both institutions decide whether or not to take the plans further. And they were first to be told of the proposals on Monday.

Trevor Dewse, Manchester University's president of the Association of University Teachers, said: ''Like the university the trade unions can see the benefits behind this. What we do want to do is protect the conditions of service and interests of our members.

''If there is to be an economy of scale we'd like an undertaking that the university will make sure there are going to be no compulsory job losses. The university can't yet say whether there will be any job losses.''

Mr Dewse said he hoped that money made available from the government for city universities to foster better ties, would be used to enhance early retirement packages for staff.

And he says they will take steps to ensure the merging of duplicate departments - such as physics and chemistry - won''t result in students being taught in larger groups.

'Beneficial'

Similarly Joe Marsh, secretary of the Association of University Teachers at UMIST, believes the creation of a new university could be beneficial for the city - as long as existing staff are treated fairly.

He said: ''This is one of the few ways we have here in Manchester of protecting our world position in the education market.

''There is no doubt that the education market is becoming increasingly difficult. Countries all over the world are looking for ways of attracting students that come to Manchester. I think this is a necessary step to keep a dominant position.''

Mr Marsh says the union would support the establishment of a single institution provided certain conditions were met, including the enhancement of opportunities for staff and students, equal treatment of staff from UMIST and the University of Manchester, a ban on compulsory redundancies and the continuation of negotiations.

Chris Hitchen, branch secretary for Unison at the University of Manchester, fears a merger could result in some job losses, especially where administration departments such as finance and personnel are combined.

She said: ''We have asked for assurances that there will be no compulsory redundancies and have asked questions about pay, conditions and pensions. We think there are bound to be some job losses. We have been told that it's too early to say.

''People within the university have known for some time that there were discussions taking place, but the recommendation was a bit of a surprise. People were thinking about collaboration and working together. The idea of dissolving two institutions and reforming one was a bit of a surprise.''