as long as you are at your workstation on time you are OK
you are employed from the times stated on your contract
if you worked in a factory with machines would he apply the same principal i.e. that you must be in work before your shift starts to ensure all the oil, coolant levels are ok, the hydraulic pressure is set,etc.etc. so you can start producing ay the start of your shift – if he did he’d get lynched ! it’s bad management machine/workplace set up time should be factored into all jobs.
the working time directive is there to protect yours and your colleagues,mates,families health and quality of life – don’t let the bosses make a mockery of it !
i’ve tackled numerous employers on both of these issue and won every time – join a union, get others at work to join, organise. and don’t let the ‘credit crunch’ hardtimes b#llsh#t be used to excuse bad management, or bully you into accepting cr@p !!!!