ANDY Burnham has thrown his weight of support behind new calls for better paternity rights for dads.

The Leigh MP, who has two young children, believes that new fathers should be allowed to have up to six months paid paternity leave.

At present, dads are allowed to take two weeks paid paternity leave and receive £100 per week from their employer.

This week, campaigning charity Father's Direct launched its 'Charter For A Father Friendly Britain' and put pressure on Trade and Industry Minister Patricia Hewitt to improve rights for dads.

Mr Burnham said that improved rights for dads, together with flexible working rights, was the right way forward.

The dad-of-two, who has a son Jimmy, aged four, and Rosie, aged nearly two, said: "There needs to be better rights for fathers in terms of being allowed to contact their children.

"Fathers need to have more time off when the baby is born. I'm a believer that children need time with their fathers. More time off for fathers would mean that they are involved with the care of their child from day one.

"I think it's important to give people the chance to spend it with their kids. Any change to legislation though needs to be practical for businesses and employers."

Under new legislation introduced last year, all parents of children under six have the right to ask their employer for flexible working hours.

A survey conducted by Maternity Alliance found that the new flexible working rules was helping parents to see more of their young children - but it was making many families worse off.

According to figures released by the Government, eight out of ten employees had their requests for flexible working granted.

But the poll reveals that those who ask for flexible working practices often have to accept a pay cut or drop in job status.

The survey found a quarter of parents were unaware of last year's law change.