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AIBU?

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Original poster

15 Minutes expected before you begin

279 replies

ThatPearlkitty · 25/03/2026 01:01

Inspired by another thread but a separate topic when eg the role is 9 to 5 paid hourly then why do some employers want people eg 15 mins before your actual start time why dont they pay for your time before then, yes i understand most roles is necessary eg coat, get ready for the day etc but then its free labour ?

OP posts:
mondaytosunday · 25/03/2026 01:37

one should be ready to work at 9, but it doesn’t take most people 15 minutes to take their coat off.

LiviaDrusillaAugusta · 25/03/2026 01:36

Because you should be ready to start work at your official time (including being logged in, coffee made if necessary, coat hung up etc). And some employers make the 15 minute rule because people take the piss so they have to do it.

As for it being ‘free time’ most people waste more than 15 mins per day chatting/coffee making/toilet breaks etc so it’s no big deal.

Divastrout · 25/03/2026 01:36

Indeed as first post said @cshp common sense surely??

cshp · 25/03/2026 01:32

You're right. It shouldn't be am arbitrary 15 mins but people shouldn't be walking through the door at 9 then taking 10-20 mins to start work, so you can understand their thinking. Whatever excess time it takes you to come in, get set up etc should be factored into your commute time so not paid. However if the company are mandating you to be there 15 mins early for shift as a blanket policy tbh id speak to my union.