Oh Raggy, some fairly obvious comments on your solution:

"The solution for the hairdresser was actually quite simple.

1. Sack two members of staff on minimum wage of £6.50 per hour (£13)
2. Employ two apprentices on their minimum wage £2.73 per hour (£5.46)

Net saving £7.54 per hour x's 40 £301.60 per week, that should help the cash flow."

A) Ladies hairdressing is quite an art, not just anybody can do it and there is obviously a reason Mrs pfr described the business to him as long established and thriving - It is a business centred around custom trust and good will.

B) Reduce qualified Staff and you cut your income as four cutters can cut more heads per day than two.

C) The cutters you sack will take their "heads" with them so you have lost customers.

Just as well you're not running the country - you'd have us bankrupt in a month.