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Working dads needs better support to care for their kids - including a paternity pay boost, MPs warn today.

Minsters were urged to shake-up workplace rules, including bringing in statutory paternity pay at 90% of the father’s wages so they can take time off immediately after their child’s birth.

The Commons Women and Equalities Committee also calls on the Government to “consider the costs and benefits of introducing a new policy of 12 weeks’ standalone fathers’ leave in the child’s first year as an alternative to shared parental leave”.

(Image: Getty)

And new dads who are agency workers or self-employed should have their rights brought into line with those for employed fathers, such as introducing paternity allowance similar to maternity allowance.

Committee chairwoman Maria Miller said: “The evidence is clear - an increasing number of fathers want to take a more equal share of childcare when their children are young, but current policies do not support them in doing so.

“There is a historical lack of support for men in this area, and negative cultural assumptions about gender roles persist.

“While the Government has taken positive steps forwards and has good intentions, workplace policies have not kept up with the social changes in people’s everyday lives.

“Outdated assumptions about men’s and women’s roles in relation to work and childcare are a further barrier to change.

“If we want a society where women and men have equality both at work and at home, I would strongly urge ministers to consider our findings.

“Effective policies around statutory paternity pay, parental leave and flexible working are all vital if we are to meet the needs of families and tackle the gender pay gap.”

Young Women’s Trust chief executive Carole Easton said: “We will only achieve gender equality when fathers are able to share equally in childcare.

"Many employers are still discriminating against women who have or may have children.

“Young Women’s Trust supports the Women and Equalities Committee recommendations to help parents share childcare, including by improving parental leave rights and ensuring families are not financially penalised by the father taking time off.

“We also support making flexible working the norm. Much greater provision of part-time and flexible work would help parents and carers to balance childcare and work.

“Without action, today’s young women face a lifetime of inequality.”