The decline in the permanent workforce resulted from contrasting trends: W a persistently sizeable number of retirements in view of the age structure and changes in regulations relating to pensions; W constant vigilance in replacing people who leave the Company, depending on changes within the Company, in a constrained and swiftly changing economic environment; W external recruitment targeting new or specifi c technical and commercial skills relating to digital and skills-based developments and changes in our growth strategy; W an active policy of internal mobility, with most vacant positions fi lled by internal candidates.