THOUSANDS of health workers could turn out in protest on Monday as unions wage war over pay incentives.

Workers' unions are furious that an annual £600 "cost of living" allowance is only being offered to selected core hospital staff in Southampton .

Staff union Unison is arguing that the government should make the allowance payable to all hospital staff as an incentive to boost recruitment in the crisis-hit NHS.

But health bosses at Westminster have so far held their ground on the issue, claiming fringe staff do not qualify for the extra cash.

Now up to 3,500 staff from Southampton's major hospitals will vent their fury by holding a mass protest from 7.30am outside Southampton General and the Royal South Hants Hospital.

Nursing assistants, theatre staff and ancillary workers are among those who have been told they will not receive the payment - despite the fact it is designed to ease the pressure on people living in the property price-crazy south. Union representatives claim the payment should be made to everyone in the region and not just those who work in specific roles.

Unison's Southampton branch chairman, Geoff Scott, said: "This payment is seen by our members, including those who receive it, as insulting and divisive.

"All health care workers face the same problems with the high cost of living and they are all valuable members of the team.

"We are extremely angry about this. It's a real kick in the teeth for hardworking and dedicated staff.

"It's a ridiculous situation - if you live on the Isle of Wight and work in Southampton you get extra money, but if you live in Southampton and work on the Island you get nothing."

A spokesman for the Department of Health declined to comment on the protest.