Forties People

Older new fathers are less likely than their younger counterparts to take advantage of the incoming paternity leave amendments, according to a new study.

Under the new legislation, which comes into effect in April 2011, new fathers will be allowed to take three months paid paternity leave, in comparison to the two weeks currently allowed.

The Croner report, which was conducted by YouGov, shows that 19 per cent of 45 to 54-year-olds and 13 per cent of over-55s would take the maximum entitlement, whereas 63 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds and 40 per cent of 25 to 35-year-olds would have three months off.

According to the report, four per cent of men said they would not take any leave because of the possibility of this being viewed negatively by their fellow workers.

But as 44 per cent of household incomes are divided equally between the male and female partners, the financial implications of a new father taking time off are now seen as less of an issue.

An employment consultant from Croner, Joanne Waller, said: "Following the government's proposals to offer fathers extra paternity leave, employers weren't expecting a high take up from employees. But it appears that for many men, family comes first."

Posted by Daniel Frost.