Can I fire my bank manager’s wife if she’s no good?

Dear Aunty B,

I have hired the wife of my bank manager, and she is the worst employee I have ever had.

She has no eye for detail, makes mistakes, shows no initiative and hangs around the kitchen spreading gossip.

What do I do, and will there be any consequences? I am planning to take out another loan to upgrade my premises and machinery. I am sure she will not get another job, and part of me feels sorry for her.

Martin D,
Moorabbin

Dear Martin,

You did what? Have you gone bananas? I hope you didn’t hire her in order to get the first bank loan.

Look, the wife has to go. Each one of the items on your list can be disastrous in a small business where everyone must pull their weight. Go through the proper processes and dismiss her.

It is not your responsibility whether she gets another job or not. It will certainly not affect your ability to get a bank loan.

But remember there is a massive staff shortage. And you never know; she might be planning to move on anyway.

Your Aunty B.