From April 2011, new fathers will be able to take six months paid paternity leave under the plans announced by Gordon Brown.
The proposals were originally put on the backburner amid fears over the costs involved in initiating such a scheme during the recession.
However, the Trades Union Congress was told that some 400,000 men every year could now qualify for the new benefits.
From the spring of 2011, dads will be able to take six months off work should a woman decide to return to work following her initial six months of maternity leave.
In related news, recent research by WorkingMums group revealed that 79 per cent of mothers felt flexible working was the top priority for their careers.
In addition, just under a third of respondents considered extended maternity pay a sign of a family-friendly employer.
