Less than a third of fathers took paternity leave last year.

Less than a third of new fathers took paternity leave last year.

Even though paternity leave would have amounted to only two weeks off work less than a third of new fathers took it. Only 200,000 men who had qualified for statutory paid time off took the leave. It is the lowest number in seven years.

More than 650,000 mothers took maternity leave of up to nine months. Politicians have tried to persuade men to stay at home. In order for new mothers to return to their jobs and develop careers.

New fathers can claim two weeks off work at a weekly rate of £148.68 or 90 percent of their average weekly earnings whichever is lower.

Those critical say that the government should stop trying to persuade men to bring up babies while their mothers work. Evidence shows that when a woman has a baby she wants to take time off work to stay at home and look after it.

Did your partner take paternity leave?

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