The Abstract of Statistics is an annual publication produced by the Department for Work and Pensions. The purpose of the publication and supporting data tables is to provide a reference source for people interested in benefit uprating and the value of benefits compared to prices and earnings.

The publication contains two sections: Uprating of Benefits and Rates of Benefit, which aim to provide data to answer the following types of questions:

• How do the values of state benefits compare to prices?
• Are state benefits today, worth more or less in terms of Average Earnings than in previous years?
• How does the income of an unemployed person compare with Average Earnings?
• How do the rates of benefits compare with one another?