Typical start date for lectureship (UK context) I received an offer for lectureship at a UK university. Their academic year starts in September. Usually (as far as I've seen), new faculty members start ~ 1 month prior to the start of the academic year. However, they want me to start 3 months prior  (basically before summer begins), citing the reason is for me to get used to the new environment and meet new colleagues (which would really only require 1 month if even that!). 

My current position (fixed term) doesn't end until much later. And I have plenty of time to hand in my notice (although I rather finish my whole contract, just to tie things up nicely). All the same, I'm quite surprised by this very early start date. I reached out to the University and tried to negotiate with them, but they seem very firm on this (I didn't push because I was afraid they will rescind their offer, which I know is unlikely to happen in the US but this is the UK context so could be different). 

No where on the original post advert mentioned a start date (or time). It's my bad that I didn't ask during my interview (as I just assumed). 

My questions are:


is it typical in the UK to ask your new recruit to start so much
earlier? If not, should this be considered a warning sign? what
could be the real reason? They want to put me to work right away? 
Can I negotiate (further) on this (How far can I push it)? and what
could be my leverage (I see none). This really early start date
feels rushed, not to mention it will be insane in terms of
relocating (and also breaking the lease on my house).
Thank you!
1) Doesn't seem too strange. I agree with @strongbad: it's probably an attempt to get your research productivity into their REF schedule. May also relate to when they set their teaching curriculum.
2) It's appropriate to push back. At worst, they just stick to their original offer.