Only 18% of male workers say they would take off all the proposed six-month maternity leave, according to a survey by YouGov.

New paternity legislation enabling new mothers to transfer the second half of their year-long maternity leave to the father is proposed to come into effect next year.

This has led to fears among small business owners that they would lose male members of staff. However, the research found that money concerns were the main factor preventing those who would not take all the leave from taking it (47%), with a quarter claiming that they wouldn't take any time off when it comes into effect from April 2011.

The survey also found that 15% of working men attributed their decision not to take the leave as they believe they're too vital to the business to be absent for six months, while 3% believe the senior management in their company are actively against it.