Date on Work Visa

On our application for the work visa they ask for the "date you will arrive in the UK". Does this need to be the exact date? Do we have to arrive on that date? If we have trouble getting plane tickets and arrive a day later will we be denied entry?

We will be bringing our pets and it seems there may be delays where we are forced to wait a day if the temperature is not acceptable, or other such things. If we are forced to delay will that invalidate our visa?

Also, It says that dependants must arrive either together or after the primary visa holder. Can I (the dependant) arrive on the same day on a later (cheaper) flight, or does it take some time to get my wife (the one with the visa) into the system?

Thanks
David

The date listed on the visa is the date the visa validates.  You are free to enter the country on or after that date, but not before.  So know it does not need to be exact.  You have 6 months from that date to get in the country.

You can enter same day.

You (the dependent) must be in the country when she arrives, if you are not arriving with her.

You (the dependent) must be in the country when she arrives, if you are not arriving with her.

Wait, that's not what we heard. 

On the http://www.britainusa.com/visas in information about applying for dependent visas it says:

"Letter Of Intent
If you or your spouse do not attend this office in person we will require a letter stating your intention to either join or accompany your spouse to the UK. This refers to the initial entry, if you travel with your spouse you will be accompanying, if you wish to join your spouse in the UK at a later date then you will be joining your spouse. Please note that the dependent may not precede the work permit holder to the UK."

Ideally what we were thinking was that I would come the same day on a separate (cheaper) flight. Maybe that is too confusing and we should just arrive together. 

You (the dependent) must be in the country when she arrives, if you are not arriving with her.

The work permit holder HAS to go first.  You can come later that day and should be fine.

Wow, pardon me.  You asked, I offered what they told me over the phone and in person, in no uncertain terms, and what they confirmed upon my arrival in the country.  I withdraw from this thread.