For a Group that is about helping people look and feel better, it is natural to make the health and wellbeing of our own employees a very high priority. It is one of the main reasons why so many are proud to work for Alliance Boots and are eager to play their part in building a sustainable business. We continue to train and develop our people at all levels so they are equipped to meet the challenges of our industry.
Alliance Boots is a major international employer. At 31 March 2011 the Group, including our associates and joint ventures, employed over 115,500 people in more than 25 countries (91,000 people excluding our associates and joint ventures and employees of newly acquired businesses).
By division
As at 31 March
| 2011*
thousand | 2010
thousand |
| Health & Beauty | 75 | 75 |
| Pharmaceutical Wholesale | 14 | 14 |
| Contract Manufacturing & Corporate | 2 | 2 |
| 91 | 91 |
The loyalty of our experienced, knowledgeable and well trained workforce is evidenced by the fact that over 48% of these employees have worked for the Group or its predecessor companies for more than five years.