Fathers more likely to be promoted than other men or women, KPMG UK and YSC find

IT PAYS to be a man when it comes to career advancement, but there’s one other factor that can give you the edge over your fellow males.

WHILE some women take a career hit as a result of having children, it appears the opposite is true for men.

A report released yesterday into gender diversity in the top ranks found men with children were the most likely to be promoted in their jobs, more than women and men with no kids.

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They were also more likely to be seen as the breadwinner and committed to their career once they had a family.

“For women, caregiving is thought to reduce their commitment to a career,’’ the report found.

“For men, breadwinning is thought to redouble their commitment to a career.”

The research – by KPMG UK and business consultancy YSC – tracked the experience of 4600 workers at some of UK’s largest companies.

The study aimed to combat myths about women in the workforce.

“When men have children, they are suddenly seen as the breadwinner, and that they are now really committed to their careers,’’ YSC director Rachel Short said.

“Other people’s perception of their level of commitment also increases.’’

Workplace Gender Equality Agency director Helen Conway said a recent study had found that when applying for a job, fathers were at an advantage over men without children.

“In contrast to perceptions of working mothers, an employed father can be seen as both a better parent and a more competent employee,’’ she said.

“Overall, becoming a father has been associated with a better career and higher pay, compared to childless men.’’