| All figures in £ millions | Notes | 2010 | 2009 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee benefit expense | |||
| Wages and salaries (including termination benefits and restructuring costs) | 1,588 | 1,496 | |
| Social security costs | 136 | 124 | |
| Share-based payment costs | 26 | 35 | 27 |
| Retirement benefits – defined contribution plans | 25 | 66 | 60 |
| Retirement benefits – defined benefit plans | 25 | 22 | 16 |
| Other post-retirement benefits | 25 | 2 | 2 |
| 1,849 | 1,725 |
The details of the emoluments of the directors of Pearson plc are shown in the report on directors’ remuneration.
| Average number employed | 2010 | 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Employee numbers | ||
| North American Education | 14,828 | 15,606 |
| International Education | 10,713 | 8,899 |
| Professional | 3,721 | 2,662 |
| FT Group | 2,557 | 2,328 |
| Penguin | 3,470 | 4,163 |
| Other | 1,028 | 1,047 |
| Continuing operations | 36,317 | 34,705 |
The average number employed in discontinued operations in 2009 was 2,459.