Dads Unaware Of Flexible Work

British fathers overwhelmingly back flexible working hours, but many are unaware of their rights, a study has found.

Department for Business research found 56% of those surveyed with children under 16 said they would look for an employer who offers flexible working.

Over 90% of dads with children aged five or under believe it is important that fathers have the option to take paid paternity leave.

Nearly two thirds (62%) believe a father's relationship with their child will suffer if they are not at home after the baby is born.

However, while these findings highlight the importance of family time for working men, some remain unsure of the rights currently in place to help them.

A fifth of dads with children aged 16 or under - who, by law, are entitled to request flexible working from their employer - did not know if their company offered flexible working to fathers.

Around 34% parents with children aged nought to five did not realise that paid paternity leave is law, the study found.

One in five wrongly assumed that fathers only needed to approach their employer to ask for this leave when the baby was born or before it was eight weeks old.

In actuality, to benefit from legal paternity rights, fathers must speak with their employer 15 weeks before the baby is due.

Employment Relations Minister Lord Young said: "Our research shows that there are still some dads out there that are not aware of what they are entitled to and therefore risk missing out.

"Our campaign is all about making sure dads know what they can do and to help them have more confidence as they weigh up what works best for them and their family. The key is to talk to their employer."

(PR/GK)