FATHERS holding key jobs across the country could be set to follow in former Health Secretary Alan Milburn's footsteps, according to campaigners.

A study by the University of Hertfordshire has found that fathers work longer hours than men without children.

Organisations including the Men's Health Forum (MHF) and Fathers Direct claim the trend could cause a "brain drain" of fathers from high-powered jobs.

Mr Milburn, MP for Darlington, quit his Cabinet post in a shock announcement on Thursday, saying he wanted to spend more time with his partner and two young sons.

Peter Baker, of MHF, said: "We now have a prime minister and an archbishop of Canterbury who both have young children.

"We should be recognising that our culture is changing and adapting working hours to fit in with that."

A study by Fathers Direct found that only one in five men are happy with their work-life balance.