Broody men get job bias warning

AS FAMILIES celebrated Father's day yesterday, prospective fathers were warned they could face the same prejudice as female job applicants suspected of feeling "broody".

New laws to protect the rights of fathers in the workplace could mean that employers will be deterred from taking on a man who they believe is contemplating the joys of fatherhood, say lawyers.

Anne-Marie Thompson, an employment legislation specialist at law firm Eversheds, is warning employers they could face litigation for discriminating against fathers-to-be when the European Union's parental leave directive is translated into British law.

"We applaud the fact that parents' rights are being brought into line with those existing in Europe, but employers should be careful not to fall foul of [the law]," she said.

The directive will give men and women the same rights to three months' leave following the birth or adoption of a child.

Both genders will also be protected against dismissal for applying for their rights and should be able to return to the same or an equivalent position when they go back to work.

"If the legislation is felt to be too flexible ... employers may well decide that child-free workers are a more reliable alternative, which could lead to 'parent discrimination," Ms Thompson said.