Wasted energy costs millions.

EMPLOYEES have cost the economy more than pounds 5m in wasted electricity by leaving office appliances on during the summer holidays.

Almost a quarter of workers polled revealed they failed to ensure electrical items were turned off, meaning that an estimated 708,480 computers are left on when people are away each year.

Staff failing to turn off their PC, monitor and printer before leaving for a two-week holiday produced an unnecessary 27kg of CO2 each, according to research by power and gas company E.ON.

Staff in the North East have been urged to save electricity.

Jim Macdonald, commercial director at E.ON UK, said: "Simple actions like turning off electrical equipment before going away can make a big difference when it comes to saving energy and money.

"Our research highlights the cost to businesses of failing to enforce simple procedures with their staff to ensure everyone is taking responsibility for energy-saving.

"In the current economic climate every penny counts and an increase in energy bills means a reduction in profit. Employers should ensure workers are aware of the savings that can be made at the simple flick of a switch."