Not just 'breadwinners' – young fathers seek more time with children, says study

The Connected Young Fatherhood report led by Leeds Trinity University focuses on young fathers’ experiences of employment since the Covid-19 pandemic and the implications for the future. 

It found that while providing financially as a parent is important, young fathers do not see 'breadwinning' as their only role.

It identifies positive outcomes resulting from the pandemic for some young fathers who spent more time with their families, worked more flexibly and were able to fulfil more active roles in their children’s lives. 

Carmen Clayton, (right), professor of family and cultural dynamics at Leeds Trinity University, said, ‘This research highlights the many challenges faced by young fathers in employment, which in many cases are the result of inequality and a system that is not always set up to meet their needs.'

The project is a collaboration with Leeds City Council, the County Councils Network and parenting website DaddiLife, designed to influence policy makers and affect change in employment and public services that support young fathers. 

Professor Clayton (right) added, 'Working with our partners on this and other similar projects has demonstrated the value of a collaborative approach to addressing these issues. However, to really make a difference, we need a multi-faceted approach, backed by carefully implemented policies and with adequate funding in place.’

The study also highlights the challenges faced by both employers and professionals who provide support services to young fathers, and calls for policy changes to better meet their needs. 

Recommendations include the need for employers to do more to protect young fathers through changes to employment policy, and offering flexible working and time off for parental leave.

The report calls for more choice and support around paternity leave to enable fathers to better support their families, in line with the Women and Equalities’ Committee’s recommendation to make paternity a protected characteristic.

At an online launch event for the study, professionals, policy makers and others working in the family sector, Andrew Gwynne MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fatherhood, who introduced the report, said the work of Professor Clayton's research team was ‘invaluable’.

‘Becoming a mum or dad changes your life,' he said. 'But it comes with its challenges too, especially for younger parents. It is very important that workplaces are an inclusive place for dads and encourage them to take up their share of parental responsibilities.

‘Learning more about fatherhood through research projects is vital in helping policymakers make informed decisions.’

Guest speakers included young father advocate organisations Dads Matter (Norfolk) and Young Fathers Project (Salford), as well as contributions from young fathers. 

Alison Hadley, Director Teenage Pregnancy Knowledge Exchange, University of Bedfordshire, who gave a keynote presentation, said, ‘This research builds on the excellent New Pathways for Young Fathers study.

'It provides further insight into what helps and hinders young fathers achieve their ambition of being the best dad they can be, a supportive partner, and securing stable, fulfilling, decently paid employment.

‘Importantly the study focuses on two new important aspects: the different experiences of young fathers in rural and urban areas, and the impact of the pandemic which we know has increased poverty and taken a toll on mental health. The findings have important implications for all policies aimed at reducing inequalities.’

Connected Young Fatherhood is the latest in a series of research projects led by Professor Clayton over the past four years, which also includes young fathers in higher education and an investigation into the lives of British families during lockdown.

• Download the report here