8. Earnings/(loss) per share

Financials

	2008 Millions	2007 Millions	2006 Millions
Weighted average number of shares for basic earnings/(loss) per share	53,019	55,144	62,607
Effect of dilutive potential shares: restricted shares and share options⁽¹⁾	268	–	–
Weighted average number of shares for diluted earnings/(loss) per share	53,287	55,144	62,607

	£m	£m	£m
Earnings/(loss) for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations	6,660	(4,932)	(17,318)
Discontinued operations⁽²⁾	–	(494)	(4,598)
Total	6,660	(5,426)	(21,916)

Notes:
(1)	In the years ended 31 March 2007 and 2006, 215 million and 183 million shares, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share as they are not dilutive.
(2)	See note 29 for further information on discontinued operations, including the per share effect of discontinued operations.