According to web hosting company 1&1 Internet's survey of 1,300 customers, 77% claimed the lack of clear contact details for a business on its website as their number one gripe.

The Website Communication Survey found that 52% of those questioned admitted to feeling angry or stressed at the inability to communicate with a business via its website.

Inflexible office hours were cited by a further 40% of people.

The survey found that 1 in 3 of those questioned expected real time support, or a callback service to be offered.

A 1&1 Internet spokesman said:

"Our research clearly shows that struggling to contact a business from its website is a major cause of concern for consumers. More of us than ever are using real-time online messaging in our everyday lives and consumers now place a high value on the ability to talk to businesses in this way."