Our people (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Our staff numbers averaged 133,903 for the year ended 31 December 2018 against 134,428 in 2017 and 132,657 in 2016. Their geographical distribution was as follows:


	2018		2017		2016
North America		25,990		27,399		27,246
UK		14,331		14,197		14,070
Western Continental Europe		26,825		25,700		24,996
Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East and Central & Eastern Europe		66,757		67,132		66,345
		133,903		134,428		132,657

Reportable Segment Distribution of Staff

Their reportable segment distribution was as follows:


	2018		2017		2016
Advertising and Media Investment Management		55,421		56,789		55,120
Data Investment Management		28,309		28,629		29,279
Public Relations & Public Affairs		9,048		9,082		9,054
Brand Consulting, Health & Wellness and Specialist Communications		41,125		39,928		39,204
		133,903		134,428		132,657

Staff costs

At the end of 2018, staff numbers were 134,281 (2017: 134,413, 2016: 134,341).

Staff costs include:


	2018 £m		2017 £m		2016 £m
Wages and salaries		5,710.0		5,832.3		5,395.6
Cash-based incentive plans		240.7		219.2		260.2
Share-based incentive plans (note 21)		84.8		105.0		106.5
Social security costs		717.5		720.3		658.1
Pension costs (note 22)		191.2		192.0		178.1
Severance		37.5		39.5		34.5
Other staff costs¹		1,190.9		1,210.7		1,151.9
		8,172.6		8,319.0		7,784.9

Note

Freelance and temporary staff costs are included in other staff costs.