Personnel expenses comprised the following:
| XLS |
|
|
|
|
|
€ million |
2012 |
2011 |
|
Wages and salaries |
3,007.2 |
2,458.7 |
|
Compulsory social security contributions and special financial assistance |
398.3 |
347.4 |
|
Pension expenses |
159.0 |
167.6 |
|
|
3,564.5 |
2,973.7 |
The increase in personnel expenses was primarily due to the efficiency enhancement and cost reduction program “Fit for 2018” and the related expenses for severance pay and partial retirement packages. In 2012, wages and salaries included severance pay amounting to € 381.6 million, which is to be seen mainly in this context.
As of December 31, 2012, the Merck Group had 38,847 employees (2011: 40,676). The average number of employees during the year was 39,939 (2011: 40,570).
The breakdown of personnel by function was as follows:
| XLS |
|
|
|
|
|
Average number of employees |
2012 |
2011 |
|
Production |
9,486 |
9,317 |
|
Logistics |
1,665 |
2,054 |
|
Marketing and Sales |
12,353 |
12,322 |
|
Administration |
4,416 |
4,696 |
|
Research & Development |
4,558 |
4,632 |
|
Infrastructure and Other |
7,461 |
7,549 |
|
|
39,939 |
40,570 |