More than half of fathers want flexible working arrangements when they look for work, a new survey has shown. But many fathers are unaware of their rights to paternity leave and flexible work arrangements. A new campaign, 'Dads at Work', launches today (18.2.10) to make dads more aware of these workplace rights.

Flexible working is a big factor for modern dads who want to take care of their children, according to figures published today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

More than half (56 per cent) of dads with aged children 16 and under said they look for employers that offer flexible working when choosing a new job.

Nearly two thirds (62 per cent) believe their relationship with their child will suffer if they're not at home after the baby is born.

Fathers are entitled to:

Paternity leave – new dads can take two weeks’ leave paid at a standard rate, if they notify their employer 15 weeks before the due date

parental leave – dads also have the right to take up to 13 weeks unpaid leave until their child is five years old

Nearly all dads with children aged five or under (91 per cent) think it's important that they have the option to take paid paternity leave. But one in three parents with children under five did not realise that paid paternity leave is law, the survey found. The two-week paternity leave is paid at a standard rate (currently £123.06 per week).

One in five fathers surveyed also did not know that to access full paternity rights, they need to speak with their employer 15 weeks before their baby is due.

Parents of a child 16 or under are also entitled to request flexible working – such as flexi-time, part-time or working from home. By law, their employer must seriously consider the request.

One in five fathers with children aged 16 or under was unaware that, by law, they can request flexible working. Over 90 per cent of such requests are approved by employers.
Awareness campaign for dads

As the campaign to inform fathers of their rights was launched, Employment Relations Minister Lord Young said it was "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."

The month-long campaign will see posters and leaflets distributed at doctors’ surgeries, hospitals and antenatal clinics.

Find out about your workplace rights here http://www.direct.gov.uk/dadsatwork