Calls for businesses to help new fathers balance work/life

Nearly 1 in five working men (18%) would take all of the proposed six month paternity leave, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by the mobile phone company Orange.

The research found that money concerns were the main factor preventing those who would not take all the leave from taking it (47%), with a quarter (27%) claiming that they wouldn’t take any time off when it comes into effect from April 2011.

The survey also found that 15% of working men attributed their decision not to take the leave to believing they’re too vital to the business to be absent for six months, while 3% believe the senior management in their company are actively against it.

79% of working men said they would make use of a flexible working arrangement if their employer encouraged it, but 30% lacked the necessary support from their senior manages and colleagues, with just 10% currently practising flexible working.

Orange UK spokesman Martin Lyne said: “Businesses need to address this demand or they risk losing valuable members of staff and future revenues. It is surprising how few employers encourage flexible working schemes, especially when there is so much technology to enable it.”

He added: “In today’s modern working environment, it is right that businesses enable male employees to take their full paternity leave. And it does not have to mean huge sacrifices by either party. The mobile technology which currently exists can empower staff to redress their work-life balance for their staff and enable new fathers to spend time with their families.”

Employment Law Clinic entirely endorses the message from Orange, and encourages any small business requiring advice on flexible working to get in touch.

Filed under: Flexible Working, General News, Laws & Regulations by Employment Law Clinic           Post created on: March 17th, 2010