Paternity leave becoming more popular, says EOC

More and more new fathers are taking paternity, according to a report from the Equal Opportunities Commission. Dads and the Babies: a household analysis reveals that the vast majority of fathers are now taking at least two weeks leave around the birth of their child, especially in high income families, but some lower income men still face barriers.

According to the research, nearly four in five dads take at least two weeks leave in dual-earning professional families. In dual-earning low-skilled families, three in five dads take at least two weeks. And over four in five fathers from low-income groups would like to take up a proportion of paid maternity leave in the place of their partner, compared to three in five fathers from high-income groups.

“Our research suggests that we need to be vigilant in future to avoid creating an affordability gap for fathers in poorer families,” said Jenny Watson, Chair of the EOC. The government’s review of support for parents in next year’s comprehensive spending review, with its emphasis on fathers as well as mothers, offers the perfect opportunity to consider targeted support for lower income families, ensuring that all fathers have a chance to take leave and build strong relationships with their children.”

The Equal Opportunities website