Survey highlights parents' wish for longer paternity leave

The government's fatherhood think-tank funded ICM to poll 1,000 parents over their views on the parental responsibilities of fathers. More than three-quarters of families felt that responsibilities such as nappy-changing, reading with children and taking them to dentists and doctors should be shared. But little more than half of families actually felt they shared these responsibilities equally between parents.

The poll also revealed that 84 per cent of parents think paternity leave should be longer, while 85 per cent say paternity leave should be paid at 90 per cent of salary, as it is for mothers. Around 80 per cent of fathers also want more information in the early stages of a child's life and more flexible working hours.

"Parents – both mothers and fathers – say very clearly that policy needs to catch up with reality," said Rob William, chief executive of the Fatherhood Institute. "Dads need more leave when their baby is born, better paid paternity leave and the chance to work more flexibly; men's requests for flexible working are still turned down more often than women's by employers and tribunals."

The institute revealed the figures today as it published a policy document outlining six areas the next government should look to address.

The Fatherhood Institute's six signposts for fatherhood are:

• Fathers should get more leave when their baby is born
• Paternity leave should be paid at 90% of salary
• New fathers should get more information
• More fathers should be able to work flexibly
• Services should include fathers
• Fathers who do not live with their children should be supported to stay connected.