Over 50% of consumers believe that shopping online is as safe as in purchasing goods in a store, according to a report by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

Confidence in online security has jumped markedly from 2006, when only 26% thought that online shopping was as safe as shopping in a store.

However, almost a third of internet users are still not shopping online due to safety concerns, with 20% of internet users worried about their personal security.

"Online retailing is the future for many businesses and increasingly important to the economy. If consumers are not confident online, demand will grow at a slower rate. So we must tackle these concerns right now if the online market is to grow at its full potential," said John Fingleton, OFT chief executive.