Norwich Union, which is owned by Aviva, is expected to shed as many as 1,800 jobs within the next two years.

By 2010 Aviva is expected to have reduced Norwich Union insurance operations across the UK to focus on seven main centres: Norwich, Perth, Bishop Briggs, Stretford, Manchester, Leicester and Southend.

The move comes as part of a restructuring package which will change the firm’s operating model in a bid to improve customer service and become more efficient.

Aviva has also stated that NU must adapt to the modern world, specifically in dealing with the rise of changing methods of accessing services, particularly through the internet but also through texting and via phones.

According to Igal Mayer, Norwich Union’s chief executive, the changes are necessary to allow the firm to become a market leader in efficiency and be able to deliver good customer service. Whether these new developments will affect existing policies remains to be seen.