One in four fathers say they were unable to take paternity leave when children arrive, partly because of pressures at work, according to new research.

A report by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) said a low level of support from employers was preventing men from taking time off when their children are born.

It blamed “ingrained” attitudes and worries among new fathers that they will lose out financially.

New rules allowing mums and dads to share maternity leave are due to come into force next April, but the ILM says these risk having only a small impact in reality.

"The introduction of shared parental leave is a crucial step towards enabling more women to progress into senior roles," said Charles Elvin, chief executive of the ILM.

"Yet our research revealed cultural barriers are impeding the uptake of both two weeks statutory paternity leave and additional paternity leave."