Knowledge Centre
20th October 2009
New fathers are not taking their full paternity leave because of career and money worries, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
A report from the non-departmental public body has found that 45% of fathers fail to take their full two-week entitlement to leave, with the most common reason being that they cannot afford to pass up their full pay.
Currently, employees who qualify for paternity leave can take up to two weeks off work, though they receive only statutory pay of £123.06 a week - or 90% of their average weekly wage if this is lower.
The report also found that two in five men are reluctant to ask for flexible working conditions because they fear that employers will question their commitment, and possibly pass them over for future promotion.
Meanwhile, the commission has highlighted what it describes as "an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage in recruitment": the report finds that two out of three fathers consider flexible working to be an important consideration when looking for a new job.
It suggests expanding paternity leave, with higher levels of pay for fathers who stay at home to help in the first few months of their children's lives.
Andrea Murray, the commission's acting director of strategy, said: "It is clear that today's families require a modern approach to balancing work and childcare commitments.
"Fathers are telling us they are not spending enough time with their families and want to take a more active role in shaping the lives of their children."
Extended paternity leave rights, set to come into force in 2011, will allow both parents to share leave in the second six months of their child's life.
However, the Fatherhood Institute has warned that this move is unlikely to see large take-up among new fathers, as the unpaid, or very low-paid leave on offer constitutes "no real incentive package".
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "Sensible employers understand that fathers will want to take time off work following the birth of a child and will create the kind of work culture where fathers are confident they can apply to take time off without fear their careers will be damaged."
IMAGE Hans Wiedl/DPA/Press Association Images
New dads 'scared off' taking full paternity leave
A report from the non-departmental public body has found that 45% of fathers fail to take their full two-week entitlement to leave, with the most common reason being that they cannot afford to pass up their full pay.
Currently, employees who qualify for paternity leave can take up to two weeks off work, though they receive only statutory pay of £123.06 a week - or 90% of their average weekly wage if this is lower.
The report also found that two in five men are reluctant to ask for flexible working conditions because they fear that employers will question their commitment, and possibly pass them over for future promotion.
Meanwhile, the commission has highlighted what it describes as "an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage in recruitment": the report finds that two out of three fathers consider flexible working to be an important consideration when looking for a new job.
It suggests expanding paternity leave, with higher levels of pay for fathers who stay at home to help in the first few months of their children's lives.
Andrea Murray, the commission's acting director of strategy, said: "It is clear that today's families require a modern approach to balancing work and childcare commitments.
"Fathers are telling us they are not spending enough time with their families and want to take a more active role in shaping the lives of their children."
Extended paternity leave rights, set to come into force in 2011, will allow both parents to share leave in the second six months of their child's life.
However, the Fatherhood Institute has warned that this move is unlikely to see large take-up among new fathers, as the unpaid, or very low-paid leave on offer constitutes "no real incentive package".
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "Sensible employers understand that fathers will want to take time off work following the birth of a child and will create the kind of work culture where fathers are confident they can apply to take time off without fear their careers will be damaged."
IMAGE Hans Wiedl/DPA/Press Association Images
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