Men who have recently become fathers could receive six months off work to care for their babies, in a revamp of parents rights being considered by the government.

Interviewed in today's Times, Patricia Hewitt said that the government must support fathers who want to spend more time with their children.

The trade and industry secretary said: "At the time we looked at extending maternity leave, there were many people arguing that the extra six months we have now added on to maternity leave should be made available to the father.

"We decided at that time not to offer it to fathers. But I am in favour of fathers being able to play a very active role in the children's lives, and having leave specific to fathers can definitely help.

"I want to look at how to take this whole package forward, and six months off for fathers is one way of doing it, although there may be other ways."