London, Nov. 2: Fathers are being encouraged in a new guide to capitalise on new flexible working arrangements to allow them to stay at home and spend more time with their children.

The guide follows research showing that only one in 10 men works part-time, despite legislation which gives them the right to ask for flexible working, including working only during school terms, working from home and job sharing. Entitled Daddy?s Home: A Life Planner for Fathers, the booklet highlights the need for companies to change their attitudes towards men wanting to work flexibly.

The right to flexible working was one of a number of measures, including two weeks? paternity leave, introduced under the 2002 Employment Act, which came into force last April. Those entitled to ask for it must have a child or children under six or a disabled child or children under 18.

Under the law, an employer must give ?serious consideration? to a request for flexible working and can only refuse because of a ?sound business reason?, such as additional costs.

Citing testimonies from fathers who have benefited from the legislation, the guide says that men who spend more time with their children experience a higher quality of life.

One father of three, who works part-time said: ?My dad was a very work-oriented person, but I made a decision to be different. It works because overall I get more out of work, family and doing other things. I prefer work now as I don?t feel such conflict any more.?

Mark Harper, 33, a sponsorship manager for Lloyds TSB, which funded the guide, said he took two weeks? paternity leave at full pay and one week?s holiday after his daughter, Phoebe, was born. ?My wife and I are jointly responsible for our daughter, so I felt it was important to be there at the start of this new adventure,? he said.

Jack ?Sullivan, the co-founder of Fathers Direct, an information service for fathers, said: ?We know involved fatherhood benefits children?s education, behaviour and long-term mental health, as well as allowing men and women to share responsibilities more fairly. But it is hard for dads to do what is needed unless they feel entitled to claim workplace benefits.?