‘Double’ paternity leave
The amount of paternity leave fathers are permitted should be doubled, according to the Equal Opportunities Commission.
The commission says fathers are missing out, after publishing new research showing that new dads want to play a greater role in caring for their newborn babies.
Figures showed that almost 80 per cent of working fathers would be willing to swap roles with their partners and become stay-at-home dads, while nine out of ten said they felt confident caring for their child.
Men are currently entitled to two weeks paternity leave but the commission believes dads need at least a month to bond with their babies and should be paid £200 a week.
Campaigners are delivering special “Father’s Day” cards to the Prime Minister and other prominent politicians, setting out its recommendations.
Jenny Watson, acting chair of the EOC, said: “This research reveals how much attitudes to fatherhood have shifted in recent years. Dads no longer see themselves solely as the breadwinner. They want to spend more time at home, actively sharing the responsibility of caring for their baby.”
The commission sets out a policy of “shared” parental leave rights that allow greater flexibility for both mums and dads in deciding to stay at home.
Attitudes towards fatherhood have shifted dramatically from twenty years ago when over half of all fathers saw themselves as the providers while the mother stayed at home.
