Dads are a step closer to benefiting from additional paternity leave and pay under plans being developed by the government.
The proposals are designed to give working parents more choice in their caring responsibilities. The latest consultation stage outlines giving fathers the opportunity to take up to 26 weeks' additional paternity leave to care for their child if certain conditions are met, including the mother returning to work.
The government proposes introducing the new rights at the same time as extending maternity pay to 12 months. The earliest date the additional leave and pay will be introduced is likely to be for babies born in April 2009.