Working fathers are juggling long hours at work with the demands of parenting as they fear that flexible working will be damaging to their careers, says a report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). British fathers want to take a more active role in their children’s life but nearly half (40%) admit they spend too little time with them. And although new dads are entitled to take two weeks’ paternity leave 45% fail to do so, with the most common reason being cited as they can’t afford to take leave and support their family. The report also highlighted that two fifths of fathers feel that requesting flexible work patterns would lead to their commitment to their career being questioned and negatively affect their chances of securing a promotion.