PROTESTERS will be demonstrating against Atos Healthcare outside West Ealing Department for Work and Pensions offices on Wednesday.

The peaceful demonstration from 8am to 9.30am is part of a national day of action against the firm, which conducts assessments of benefits claimants on behalf of the DWP.

Protester Mick Brooks said: “Our demonstration is aimed against Atos, the private firm that is signing off sick and dying people as fit for work on behalf of the DWP and depriving them of benefits in the process.”

Work Capability Assessments were introduced in 2008 to determine entitlement to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

An Atos spokesperson said: “We absolutely respect people’s right to peaceful protest. However, lobbying against Atos Healthcare will have no impact on welfare policy.

“It is not, nor has it ever been, the role of Atos Healthcare to make decisions on who can or cannot receive benefits.”

Ealing demonstrators will be joined by the local Unite Community Branch, Ealing Trades Council and disabled support groups.

A minute of silence will be held next to Jobcentre Plus.