Many fathers of newborns would rather be at home - helping out with changing bags, baby back carriers and all in suits - than slogging it out at work.

However, new research has revealed one-third (34 per cent) of parents with children aged zero to five are unaware that they are entitled by law to paid paternity leave.

The figures, compiled by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, also showed that 22 per cent wrongly believe they can request the time off after the birth, when in fact an employer needs to be notified 15 weeks before the tot is due.

Meanwhile, a fifth of dads are uninformed about the flexible working options available to them.

In response to this, the government has launched a campaign alongside charity the Fatherhood Institute (FI) to ensure all fathers know their rights.

FI chief executive Rob Williams remarked: "It is so important that we support working fathers to have time off to spend time with their family and make sure they know how they can do that."

"This is vital in building strong and stable family relationships," he added.

Earlier this year, charity Families Need Fathers announced its support for paid paternity leave, stating two involved parents are essential for child development.ADNFCR-3005-ID-19625663-ADNFCR