The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) have confirmed that they will merge with the College of Social Work (CSW) to form a single organisation before the end of the year.

The two colleges, both formed to promote the positive work done by those in social care jobs, appear to have settled their differences following a couple of disputes which had appeared to stall the merger.

The BASW were reportedly unhappy with the CSW's continued association with Unison. There were also arguments over the name of the new body.  

Speaking to Children and Young People Now, BASW chair Fran Fuller said that the two companies were now looking forward to the future and completing the merger by the start of 2012.

She said: "This is a very significant development in ensuring social work can become the proud, confident and respected profession that we know it deserves to be.''

"There are still important issues to resolve of course, but we now have a solid mechanism to work through them together in the best interests of the profession."

Community Care report that the organisation, formed in 1970, will approve final plans for the transfer of its members at convention this October.  

It is thought the new body will allow membership from the UK, The Isle Of Man and The Channel Islands.