STUDENTS at Bolton Institute could face exam disruption after lecturers voted to begin industrial action today in a row over pay and conditions.

After a national poll, members of the lecturers' union NATFHE decided they would work to rule, which could include withholding students' marks, boycotting exam boards and abandoning overtime.

The national dispute centres on the union's protest at principals' and vice-chancellors' refusal to negotiate pay, workloads and working conditions.

But the attitude to the action among the union's 115 members at Bolton is believed to be lukewarm, with an informal e-mail poll taken before the ballot revealing a majority were against the move.

Anthony Cropper, NATFHE branch secretary, said although some members may not agree with the industrial action they may feel duty bound to take part.

But he stressed that steps will be taken to minimise the effect on students.

"At the moment it is unclear what action will take place," said Mr Cropper.

"The consequence will only be one or two minor hiccups for the students."

Bolton Institute vice-principal, Peter McCaffrey said that only around a third of the lecturers are expected to be involved.

"It is difficult to assess the impact at this stage," he said.

"I don't see a significant response within the institute at the moment but we will have to monitor it."

He predicted that if problems occur they will do so at the end of February when exams are in full swing.

But he stressed that the institute would ensure the exam process goes ahead as scheduled and measures will be taken to ensure students are not badly affected.