Yikes! British Insurer Accidentally Fires 1,300 Staff by Email

LONDON (NewsCore) -- British insurance company Aviva accidentally fired all 1,300 staff of its asset management division Friday, before quickly realizing the gaffe and reassuring them the bluntly-worded email was intended only for one worker.

The email from London-based Aviva Investors' human resources department told staff to surrender any company property as they left the building and reminded them that they were prevented from sharing any company secrets, The (London) Daily Telegraph reported.

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."

After detailing what was required of the outgoing staff, the email closed by saying, "I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and wish you all the best for the future."

Shocked staff received a contrite email minutes later from the company's human resources department apologizing for the misunderstanding.

The incident came just two days after an Aviva board overhaul was announced, with Aviva Investors boss Alain Dromer among those departing.