New paternity leave rights could help tackle the UK's ‘Daddy Deficit’, study suggests

New research links overworked dads with poorer child outcomes, as updated paternity leave rights come into force.

Mature father taking paternity leave to care for newborn. Dad as caregiver for new baby.

Published: June 15, 2026 at 4:48 PM

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Working dads are more involved in family life than ever before, but many still face financial and workplace barriers when it comes to taking time off after a baby arrives.

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Now, new research from MyPerfectCV suggests that the amount of time fathers spend at home during their child's early years could have a significant impact on children's emotional and developmental outcomes.

The findings come as new UK paternity leave rules, introduced in April 2026, have expanded access to leave for thousands of fathers and partners, removing a long-standing employment requirement that previously excluded many new parents.

What has changed with paternity leave in 2026?

Under the updated rules, eligible fathers and partners can now access paternity leave from their first day in a new job, rather than needing 26 weeks of continuous service before qualifying.

The change is expected to extend access to around 32,000 additional fathers and partners every year.

The reforms also make unpaid parental leave a day-one right, benefiting an estimated 1.5 million parents. In addition, eligible fathers and partners now have a statutory right to up to 52 weeks of leave from day one if the child's mother or primary carer dies.

For many families, these changes represent a significant shift in how fathers are recognised within the workplace.

What is the ‘Daddy Deficit’?

MyPerfectCV's Working Fathers 2026 research uses the term "Daddy Deficit" to describe the impact that overwork, stress and limited time at home can have on both fathers and their children.

According to the report, when fathers feel they spend "nowhere near enough time" with their child, the odds of that child reaching a good level of emotional and intellectual development by age five are 18% lower.

The research also highlights links between paternal wellbeing and children's emotional development.

One of the study's most striking findings suggests that paternal stress three months after birth is associated with children being 3.17 times more likely to display emotional and behavioural difficulties by the age of two.

How does overwork affect family life?

The report suggests that long working hours can make it harder for fathers to be actively involved in everyday childcare.

Researchers found that fathers working more than 65 hours a week had significantly higher odds of low involvement in daily childcare compared with fathers working 40 hours or fewer. This included being 2.38 times more likely to have low engagement in playtime activities.

The findings also point to the importance of workplace flexibility. According to the report, parents who have greater autonomy and control over their work during a child's first year may experience better long-term family outcomes.

The challenge many families still face

Although paternity leave is now available as a day-one right, statutory pay rules have not changed in the same way.

Statutory Paternity Pay currently stands at £194.32 per week and still requires 26 weeks of service with an employer.

According to MyPerfectCV, this creates a financial challenge for many families. The organisation estimates that a father earning an average salary could lose more than £1,000 in income by taking the standard two weeks of paternity leave.

Alongside the financial pressure, workplace culture remains a concern for some fathers.

The research found that 22% of fathers worry that taking extended leave could affect their career progression, while 12% believe there is still stigma attached to men prioritising childcare responsibilities.

Are attitudes towards fatherhood changing?

Despite ongoing challenges, the report suggests that expectations around fatherhood are evolving.

Modern fathers are increasingly seeking flexible and hybrid working arrangements, and many are placing greater importance on family time when making career decisions.

The research also notes a longer-term trend across Europe, where average weekly working hours among men have fallen over recent decades, including among fathers with young children.

For parents navigating life with a new baby, the latest paternity leave reforms may make it easier for more dads to be present during those crucial early weeks. However, the findings suggest that affordability and workplace culture could still play a major role in determining whether families are able to make the most of the new rights available to them.

What employers can do to support fathers

MyPerfectCV says employers can help bridge the gap between legal entitlement and real-world access by:

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As conversations around parental leave continue to evolve, experts say helping fathers spend more time at home may benefit not only parents, but children too.

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