Notes to the consolidated accounts

4 Staff costs

       
Staff costs € million
2007
€ million
2006
€ million
2005
Remuneration of employees (4 409) (4 377) (4 456)
Emoluments of Executive Directors (9) (8) (11)
Pensions and other post-employment benefits(a) (321) (132) (384)
Social security costs (646) (718) (702)
Share-based compensation costs (152) (120) (192)
(5 537) (5 355) (5 745)

(a) In 2006 includes gains of €266 million arising from changes in US post-retirement healthcare plans and UK pension plans.

       
Average number of employees during the year '000
2007
'000
2006
'000
2005
Europe 44 47 51
The Americas 44 46 46
Asia Africa 87 96 115
175 189 212