INSURANCE giant Aviva has reported a "significant year of progress" after weathering the recession by slashing costs and trimming nearly 11,000 roles across its workforce.

INSURANCE giant Aviva has reported a "significant year of progress" after weathering the recession by slashing costs and trimming nearly 11,000 roles across its workforce.

The group reported a 3% rise in operating profits to �3.48 billion for 2009 and confirmed the first signs of an improving market as customers look to start saving again.

It said plans to cut costs by �500 million were a year ahead of target, having axed 10,700 jobs over the past two years - including a 30% reduction in its UK employee base.