Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers announced the consultation process on leave entitlement for workers on Wednesday.

Mr Byers said: "For the first time, fathers will have a legal right to time off when their children are born and all parents will be able to take up to 13 weeks unpaid leave while their children are under five.

"In addition, parents will be entitled to time off to cope with family emergencies."

The trade secretary added: "An employer will not be able to sack a mother simply because she was suddenly called to school to deal with an emergency."

Family friendly employment

The move forms part of the government's family friendly policies, but employers are complaining it will create too much red tape while campaign groups are attacking the plans as they say unpaid leave will only benefit those rich enough to take it.

Speaking for the Institute of Directors Ruth Lea said: "It all sounds splendid in theory - but in practice it will give problems to many firms.

"It could all be hugely disruptive for small firms and could force employers not to consider hiring women of child-bearing age."

Protecting family life

But a spokesman for the GMB union said: "Surely no-one can object to legislation that will protect the rights of parents to spend the precious early years with their children.

"It is somewhat ironic that those who constantly preach on the need to protect family life are the very same people who are condemning this directive."

Director of the Maternity Alliance Christine Gowdridge welcomed the plan but said: "If it is not paid, poorer parents will not be able to take it."

Mr Byers' Tory shadow Alan Duncan said the announcement amounted to a compromise which would please no-one.

"It's a burden on small businesses which they cannot afford but the left will be screaming for paid parental leave for new parents and he has not satisfied them."