SHANGHAI'S new fathers are to get an extra week's paid paternity leave from next month after city lawmakers approved an amended family planning law that allows couples to have a second child. National legislation to encourage all couples to have two children took effect on January 1.

"We encourage husbands to take more care of their wives," said Wu Jinglei, head of the Shanghai Health and Family Planning Commission.

Men currently enjoy just three days' paid leave.

Maternity leave will also increase, with 30 days added to the current 98 days stipulated by the national legislature.