Men Support Blair's Paternity Leave
The majority of men support new fathers like Tony Blair taking paternity leave after the birth of their children.
Eight in ten (81%) men approve of new laws which give fathers up to three months' unpaid paternity leave, according to a new survey* from the world's No 1 employment services company, Adecco. Support is particularly strong among young men, with nine in ten (90%) aged 20-29 backing paternity leave.
Men in 47 years old Tony Blair's age bracket have also given strong backing, with 70% of 40-50 year olds supporting the new rights for fathers. Only four in every 100 (4%) men are opposed to fathers' parental leave.
The survey, which was carried out by MORI on behalf of Adecco, is the first conducted since the birth of baby Leo Blair last month and demonstrates widespread public endorsement for fathers to spend more time with their new-born child.
The majority of women are also strongly in favour of paternity leave for men and a separate survey+ for Adecco found that almost half (45%) want their partners to take unpaid leave. Around one quarter (27%) were opposed, but this was matched by a similar number (28%) to whom parenthood did not apply.
Women overwhelmingly want men to spend more time with the family and share quality time together following the birth of a child. Some 85% of respondents saw these as key factors in support of paternity leave and a further 5% saw the leave as means of helping the mother return to work.
The MORI poll also found that nine in ten (90%) men would not think any less of a colleague who took paternity leave, including a clear majority of 82% of single men whose attitude would not be affected by the decision. Only six in every 100 (6%) men would disapprove.
Two-thirds (66%) of men say they would be likely to take paternity leave and one in four (26%) say they are certain to take time off. Almost three-quarters (73%) of men currently without children also favour taking leave.
But some men still fear that taking extra leave would damage their career prospects. One in four (26%) say it would be damaging, rising to one in three (32%) among men aged 40-50. A further 7% are unsure. However a comfortable majority (68%) think that the break would not affect their careers.
Some men are concerned that their employers are not doing enough to support new fathers. The survey shows that two in five men (40%) believe firms are not supportive enough and only two in every 100 (2%) feel companies do too much. But the findings were balanced by an equal number (39%) who feel their employer gives the right level of support to new fathers.
Commenting on the findings, Richard Martin, Adecco's CEO said, "It would appear that New Man is alive and well and striving to gain a better work life balance. Employer's must recognise this and look for ways to embrace it within their business as failure to do so may impact on long term staff retention".
Technical details
* MORI interviewed 503 men in full time work, aged 20-50, across Britain between 23-28 May 2000. + VIVID INTERFACE interviewed over 500 women at the Cr?me de la Cr?me conference between the 16-18 May 2000.
