More than 1,300 workers at Aviva's investment arm were mistakenly 'sacked' following an email blunder.

The exit message, instructing staff to hand over company property on their way out of the building, was intended for one departing employee at Aviva Investors, the firm's London-based asset management branch.

But, instead, a clerical error meant the message was forwarded to the entire global workforce.

The company's human resources department swiftly recalled the email, and issued an apology.

A spokesman for the group said: '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. From time to time, things go wrong.'

The email was a standard message sent to people leaving the company, covering things such as handing back company equipment and confidentiality rules.

Aviva Investors announced in January it would cut 160 jobs as part of a streamlining operation for its asset management business.