Employee information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

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Employee information

5. Employee information

All figures in £ millions	Notes		2018			2017			2016
Employee benefit expense
Wages and salaries (including termination costs)				1,421			1,567			1,661
Social security costs				112			130			124
Share-based payment costs		26		37			33			22
Retirement benefits – defined contribution plans		25		56			57			67
Retirement benefits – defined benefit plans		25		23			19			16
Other post-retirement medical benefits		25		(12	)		(1	)		(2	)
Total				1,637			1,805			1,888

The details of the emoluments of the Directors of Pearson plc are shown in the report on Directors’ remuneration.

Average number employed	2018		2017		2016
Employee numbers
North America		14,113		16,295		16,841
Core		5,192		5,291		5,664
Growth		4,521		8,268		9,868
Other		496		485		346
Total		24,322		30,339		32,719