Dads not keen to take longer paternity

Four out of ten men will not be taking advantage of new paternity leave rights, partly because they believe it could affect their career, according to a new study.

A survey of 1,000 men by price comparison website uSwitch.com showed that 41 per cent will not take up the extended leave, partly because they were afraid of losing their job or believed they would not be able to take time off.

Most men welcomed the changes coming in on 3 April, under which new fathers will be able to take up to six months paternity leave if their partner returns to work.