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| All figures in £ millions | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee benefit expense | |||
| Wages and salaries (including termination benefits and restructuring costs) |
1,088 | 983 | 988 |
| Social security costs | 101 | 89 | 87 |
| Share-based payment costs (note 24) | 23 | 25 | 29 |
| Pension costs - defined contribution plans (note 24) | 35 | 32 | 28 |
| Pension costs - defined benefit plans (note 24) | 25 | 24 | 23 |
| Other post-retirement benefits (note 24) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 1,273 | 1,154 | 1,156 |
The details of the emoluments of the directors of Pearson plc are shown in the Report on Directors' Remuneration. |
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| Average number employed | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 |
| School | 10,133 | 10,403 | 9,348 |
| Higher Education | 4,196 | 4,087 | 3,912 |
| Professional | 8,342 | 7,491 | 6,434 |
| Penguin | 4,051 | 4,085 | 4,318 |
| FT Publishing | 1,952 | 1,989 | 2,283 |
| IDC | 1,956 | 1,826 | 1,628 |
| Other | 1,573 | 1,365 | 928 |
| Continuing operations | 32,203 | 31,246 | 28,851 |
| Discontinued operations | - | 1,840 | 1,733 |
| Total | 32,203 | 33,086 | 30,584 |
