Fathers fear longer paternity leave damages career
Under new rules from this Sunday fathers will now be entitled to extended paternity, but while many have welcomed this, almost half won't risk taking the extra time off, according to a survey.
The government's new rules mean that men can now take up to six months' paternity leave but research from uSwitch.com reveals 41 per cent would not take extended leave for a number of reasons.
The survey shows that the vast majority of men welcomed the change in ruling and 68 per cent of fathers questioned said they felt their previous paternity leave had been too short.
However, it seems that the impact of spending a long period of time away from work weighs heavy on men's minds.
According to the price comparison site's research, 26 per cent say they wouldn't take advantage of more time off because it would have a negative impact on their career, and 16 per cent would be concerned about losing their job altogether.
Furthermore, those thinking about starting a family believe employers will think twice about hiring a man who is looking to settle down and have children.
Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, says: "The government may have recognised that fathers today are a lot more hands-on than they may have been in the past, but putting legislation in to support this is only part of the battle. The biggest fight will be to change social opinion, fears and prejudices and this is not going to happen overnight."
Use the Myfinances.co.uk's comparison tables to keep your bills low.
Comments
Newsletter sign up