Men at work when baby arrives home

The number of men taking paternity leave has increased by 14 per cent over the past year, but is still a “very small fraction” of those entitled to time off.

According to a new study there is still a “huge gap” between the number of men and women taking time off after the birth of a child.

International law firm Pinsent Masons says its survey shows many firms are critical of UK government plans to extend paternity leave.

Katie Douglas, legal director at Pinsent Masons, said: “These figures show a significant shift in attitudes towards paternity leave, but we are still some way from parity. Despite the UK government’s determination to encourage fathers to take paternity leave, many men still do not exercise their right.”