TWO THIRDS of working fathers use their paid annual leave so they can afford to take time off after the birth of a child, a new study has revealed.
New fathers are entitled to two weeks' paternity leave at the statutory rate of £138 a week, with just one in six employers topping it up, according to parenting website Mumsnet.
A survey of more than 1,000 mothers found that four out of five couples wanted the father to take more paternity leave, but most men could not afford it.
Only 13 per cent of workers describe their employers as family-friendly, while two-thirds did not.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "It's quite unfortunate that so many parents are unable to take time away from work to care for and support their young children, and it is bizarre that even in the 21st century, hundreds and thousands of hard-working parents are having to abide by Edwardian rules when it comes to juggling their work and family lives.
"I've fought hard in Government to bring about that change, whether it's through the introduction of flexible working, free childcare, shared parental leave or equalising paternity pay, so that men can spend more time with their child without being penalised financially.
"So, I'm calling on employers to offer flexible arrangements so that working parents are empowered to make their own decisions."
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