New dads 'not aware' of their paternity leave rights

There are concerns the legal paternity pay of £123 per week is too low

A third of new fathers have no idea they are legally entitled to paternity leave, according to new research.

The government is trying to make them aware of their rights with a month long poster and leaflet campaign.

Many dads are uncertain about their rights, says the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), who surveyed 560 men.

But with the jobs market in a terrible state people may not actually want to take more time off.

By law, new fathers are allowed two weeks' leave when the baby is born but have to have it cleared with their boss in advance.

The two weeks is paid but they only get £123 per week.

Steven Humphries, a builder, says he would have loved time off with his new baby but that he needed to keep earning money.

"I think I had one day off because he was born in the middle of the night," he said. "Obviously I couldn't get up for work but I wasn't paid for that day."

Flexible working

The Equality and Human Rights Commission want the two weeks' leave to be increased to 90% of actual pay.

They say it's a good idea because, like Steven, about half of new fathers can't afford to take a fortnight off work for £123 per week.

However, dads, like mums, can also apply for flexible working by asking for part time hours for example.

The boss doesn't have to agree but does have to think about it.

Also, up until the child's fifth birthday both parents are allowed to take 13 weeks unpaid leave.

Steven says that kind of deal wouldn't be practical for his family.

He said: "I wouldn't be tempted with that, not with the way the recession is going. We wouldn't able to afford that, no way."

The government says this is all about making it easier for dads to spend time and bond with their children.

But there is an argument that not everyone wants to, that dads are out working and the kids should be with mum.

"I am sure there are dads who would like to take a break from the early morning feeds and nappy changes [but] we need to pay the bills and the mortgage," said Steven.

"But truly, we'd love to be at home with the kids."