Dads keen to take advantage of new paternity rights

Most dads-to-be are keen to take advantage of a forthcoming change in paternity leave legislation.

A 46 per cent of fathers want to take shared parental leave when it comes into force in April 2011 finds a survey by Talking Talent.

The new law will give dads a right to up to six months extra leave which can be taken when the mother returns to work.

This leave will be paid at the same standard rate as Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) which is currently £123.06.