Aviva fires all its workers in mistaken mass email

More than 1,300 employees had a taste of unemployment when an email intended to sack just one worker was mistakenly sent out to staff worldwide.

Employees at British company Aviva Investors received a curt email from the HR department advising them they were fired. As well as notice of their imminent departure the email read "I am required to remind you of your contractual obligations to the company you are leaving. You have an obligation to retain any confidential information pertaining to Aviva Investors operations, systems and clients." (Telegraph)According to Financial Post the U.K. insurer, which has been scaling back its operations, mistakenly sent the message to all employees globally. Paul Lockstone, spokesman for Aviva, explained "It was intended that this e-mail should have gone to one single person. Unfortunately, as a result of a clerical error, it was sent to all of the Investors staff worldwide.” Employees were relieved to receive a second mass email, described as grovelling, apologizing for the mistake. Workers who remain employed will no doubt derive comfort from knowing if they ever face the chop it will be done by email.