More than half of Britain’s working fathers want to cut their hours and play a bigger role in bringing up their children, according to a survey.

Despite a growing number of dads taking on more childcare responsibilities, the research found that many still encounter prejudice.

Seven out of 10 fathers working part time said there was a stigma attached to it, and 54 per cent believe they are seen as the weaker partner, according to a survey commissioned by Office Angels.

The survey questioned 1,000 working dads in the UK with children up to 16 years old, The Independent reported.

The research found that most of those who work part-time are motivated by a desire to help raise a family, rather than having the decision foisted on them by a lack of work.

Only a quarter said their reason for working part-time was because they could not find full-time jobs. The majority — 63 per cent — said they had reduced their hours to share the running of the household and family or to spend more time with the kids.

Another 7 per cent work fewer hours because they are single dads.

“These findings illustrate how much family life has changed in recent times. The majority of parents now feel it is crucial for both parents to be equally involved in caring for their children and this has real benefits for children, communities and wider society,” Ken Sanderson, chief executive of the charity Families Need Fathers, said.

“Employers should ensure they are doing all they can to enable their staff members to achieve a healthy work-life balance,” Sanderson said.

British fathers work the longest hours in the European Union — an average of 48 hours a week for those with children under 11.

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