Security giant G4S has predicted that it will benefit from the increasing popularity of electronic tagging of criminals around the world.

According to the company the tagging trend, popular in Britain, will continue to grow as other governments outsource their requirements this year.

Chief executive Nick Buckles said budget pressures meant governments are cutting spending and the firm was poised to scoop big contracts.

“Other countries are starting to adopt the UK's approach to outsourcing,” he said.

“The initial service that tends to be contracted out is electronic tagging, because it's seen as politically acceptable — it's a major growth area. And if we win those contracts, bigger ones to supply prison security and manage immigration centres will often follow.”