Are most British people punctual or more laid back?

Question

I am asking this because I might work for a man who is British, and I live in Germany, where almost everyone I know is punctual. If they say that will meet you at 9 you had better be there at 8:50, or this is seen as disrespectful.

Answer 1

The Germans are extremely punctual, so assume the British man is as well!

Answer 2

Everyone is different.  I am incredibly punctional - but Mrs. Mark's time keeping is truly terrible...

Answer 3

Punctuality is the pinnacle of good manners but some of us like to be fashionable late to make an impressive entrance.

Answer 4

It kind depends on the people, my family are always on time or early, put the inlaws just cant tell the time.

Answer 5

It varies depending on the person. I do tend to get to places early but then meeting people they will often be late. It's always polite to be on time.

Answer 6

It really depends on the person, personally I am always at least 5 minutes early, but I have friends who will never be on time and find it OK to be 30 minutes late

Answer 7

The British are about as keen on punctuality than the Germans, at least when it comes to official matters - such as jobs.

Aiming at being there at 8.50am when your job starts at 9am is a good start. When an employer (British or German, doesn´t matter) tells you your job starts at 9am, they actually expect you to start WORKING at 9pm - not come in at 9pm to then take your coat off, get a glass of water, chat to your colleagues... and start working at ten past. ;)

Answer 8

just do not turn up late as you may be wasting his time. If he is under time pressure he (and anybody) will not welcome having to wait.

I am british and I am always very prompt and efficient

(my Girlfriend hates this  - especially as she calls me the "three minute man"

Answer 9

Depends there is a major difference between cities and areas. It is not a major thing to be late tho

Answer 10

Being on time or being late is a personal thing not a British thing.

Personally I'm always early, but I know people who are always running late.  

If I was you I would get there early as it's more professional than turning up in the nick of time.

Answer 11

Being british doesnt mean you are either.

Answer 12

i dont think this question is disresectful. errm, i dont think there is really a sway towards one side, id say its 50:50, but if they are late/on time the first time its safe to assume they will always be late/on time.

id like to think im punctual and it really annoys me when people are late for things. grr

Answer 13

I make sure I am always punctual, I would rather be an hour early and sit and wait than be 5 minutes late.

My husband on the other hand has never been early for anything in his life!! We are always waiting for him.