Aviva UK profits up 3%; Focus shifts to workplace savings

Total operating profit across the group was up 5% for the half year to £1.33bn, compared to £1.27bn in H1 2010. Aviva said real profits rose 13%, but this excluded the impact of an £84m special distribution benefit in 2010, made to policyholders from the inherited estate of the CGNU Life and CULAC with-profits funds. The UK market contributed £709m to the insurer's half year performance, up from £691m in 2010. UK life and pensions business rose 16% in the period to £5.5bn up from £5.2bn in H1 2010. Underlying operating profits, excluding last year's special distribution, were up 22...