The Fairness in Families Index (FIFI), measured by the Fatherhood Institute, places the UK fourth from the bottom in a league table of 21 countries, with only Japan, Austria and Switzerland rated less family-friendly.
The index is the first of its kind to draw on data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It ranks countries on a set of ten 'family fairness' indictors including parental leave, paternity pay, and the ratio of men's to women's time spent caring for children.
Rob Williams, chief executive of the Fatherhood Institute, commented, 'The FIFI gives a benchmark for where Britain stands in terms of how far policies allow families to share parenting and be more equal. There is clearly a long way to go if we are to become "the most family-friendly country in Europe", as the coalition has pledged.'
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