Rachel Candlin,West of England and

Charlie Taylor,Somerset

Ian Sperring Ian in a close-up image cradling his newborn son in his arms and looking down at him. His older son, who looks about three-years-old, is also up close and looking at the baby — Ian Sperring is sharing leave with his wife after their second child was born

Campaigners are calling for paternity leave to be “modernised” to help fathers be more present in family life.

The Dad Shift is urging the government for “affordable and equal leave for both parents in every relationship”.

Co-founder Alex Lloyd Hunter, from Somerset, said they were also working to raise awareness, as most dads are unaware they can share parental leave – with less than 5% (10,600) of fathers in the UK choosing this option.

The government said it “knows the parental leave system needs improving” and added it is currently carrying out a comprehensive review “to make sure it truly works for modern families”.

One of the campaign’s supporters, Ian Sperring from Bath, did choose to share parental leave with his wife.

He said: “It started with the very first moment my kids were born, wanting to be there for as long as possible to support them and support my wife.”

Mr Lloyd Hunter told BBC Radio Somerset he wanted to start a campaign to “join the mothers who are already campaigning for better paternity leave to get better support after their kids are born and bring dads into the conversation”.

“We want to support our partners properly, we want to be closer to our kids, we want to do our fair share at home, so that’s what the campaign is trying to achieve,” he added.

Mr Lloyd Hunter campaigns to encourage a more balanced approach to parental responsibilities

The Dad Shift Alex, wearing a yellow t-shirt saying 'The Dad Shift' standing in sunshine addressing a crowd with a microphone — Mr Lloyd Hunter campaigns to encourage a more balanced approach to parental responsibilities

Group leaders also now offer online support to struggling parents.

Some fathers told the Dad Shift they have been “forced back to work when their babies were barely a week old, missing precious early moments” and others felt “caught between financial necessity and the deep desire to be present for their families”.

Mr Lloyd Hunter said: “In all the other countries that have improved paternity leave, what you see is that, because it’s easier for families to share things more equally at home, it makes it easier for mothers to basically go and succeed in the world of work.”

Kate Dearden, minister for employment rights, said no dad should feel they cannot spend meaningful time with their children.

“I’m committed to ensuring they have the strongest possible backing to balance work and family life as part of our Plan to Make Work Pay.

“We know the current parental leave system needs improving, which is why we’re carrying out a comprehensive review to make sure it truly works for modern families.

“Our landmark Employment Rights Bill will also make paternity leave a right from day one, a vital step in giving parents the flexibility and support they deserve,” she added.

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