Higher pay needed on
paternity leave
Many men simply cannot afford to take the two weeks statutory paternity leave and others fear it might harm their careers, according to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.
A study of 4,500 British fathers finds that while many want to take a more active role in caring for their children, they struggle to balance work and family life.
Most said the availability of flexible working is important when looking for a new job, but two out of five admit they do not spend enough time with their children.
The commission says that the statutory £123 a week paternity-leave pay should be increased to 90% of a father's actual salary, and that leave should be increased to 16 weeks, eight paid at the 90% rate.
Andrea Murray, acting group director of strategy of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, 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."
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