Only 18% will take full paternity leave

Less than a fifth of fathers would take all of the proposed six month paternity leave if the legislation comes into force, new research suggests.

New legislation proposing that mothers should be able to transfer the second half of their year-long maternity leave could come into effect next year.

Concerns over money were the main factor preventing fathers from considering taking full paternity leave. Nearly half of those polled by Orange cited this as a concern.

Some 27% said they would not be taking any paternity leave, while 15% consider themselves too vital to the business to be absent for six months.

However, 79% of those polled said a more attractive alternative to six months’ paternity leave would be the ability to work flexibly. Only 10% of working men currently practice flexible working according the poll.

“Businesses need to address this demand or they risk losing valuable members of staff and future revenues,” said Martin Lyne, director for small and medium business at Orange UK.

“In today’s modern working environment, it is right that businesses [enable] male employees to take their full paternity leave. And it does not have to mean huge sacrifices by either party.”

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2010