New fathers would receive 90 per cent of their salary for the first four weeks of their paternity leave under the plans

Theresa May wants to extend paternity leave, offering new fathers up to 12 weeks off.

During the 12 weeks’ leave, 90 per cent of the salary would be paid by the new father’s employer for the first four weeks, it was reported yesterday.

However, the policy has yet to be finalised, with discussions continuing with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy over the impact on employers, especially for staff on high pay.

A similar policy was called for last year by the Commons women and equalities committee, which said that the first four weeks of paternity leave paid at 90 per cent of the father’s salary could be capped for high earners to limit its costs, although it did not say at what