POLICY-HOLDERS with savings and pensions plans from Norwich Union will be paid the same bonuses as last year, according to the company. The bonuses are the percentage amount added annually by the company to guaranteed income savings and pensions plans.

Norwich Union, which is preparing to float on the London Stock Exchange this summer, yesterday declared an annual bonus of 2.5 per cent on the guaranteed capital sum of its traditional with profits pensions plans taken out after 1991. These policy-holders will also receive an additional 4.5 per cent increase on any existing bonuses accrued over the life-time of the policy.

Those with pensions taken out between 1969 and 1991 will be paid an annual bonus of 2 per cent plus another 4 per cent on existing bonuses.

Savers with Norwich Union guaranteed capital sum policies "since 1991 have been awarded an annual bonus of 2.5 per cent together with 4.5 per cent on any existing bonuses. With-profits life policies effected between 1969 and 1991 receive lower bonus payments, with an annual bonus of 1.5 per cent plus 3.5 per cent on existing bonuses.

Investors who took out Norwich Union's new unitised with-profits pension plan, introduced last year will enjoy the biggest bonuses, with the company declaring a bonus of 8.5 per cent. They will also receive a special 1.5 per cent increase on the value of the fund.

The latest bonuses boost the returns for investors on their savings and pensions policies.

For example, a man retiring this year at 65, who has been contributing £1,000 a year to a 10-year pension plan, will receive a payment of £20,412, representing a real annual return of 8.9 per cent.

Norwich Union expects to pay out around £30 million on policies maturing this year. These funds will be split between 1,206 customers cashing in long-term pensions and savings plans.

Norwich Union's 150,000 Irish" policy-holders can expect to receive details soon of their entitlements to free shares when the company is floated. They will also be given notice of an extraordinary general meeting where members will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed flotation.

Irish policy-holders are expected to get around £50 million worth of free shares. Around 50 000 customers with with-profits and pensions policies will be eligible for £500 worth of free shares.

Those with fixed-term and mortgage protection policies will get about £200 worth of freed shares. All Norwich Union employees, including the 530, in Ireland will also qualify for free shares.