Name changed as do not want to be too outing.
I run a very very small business and I have just one employee. I have employed her on a part time basis for over 10 years. She is someone to talk to for advice, she covers for me if I am unavailable, and is frankly better at certain things that I am. Having her around means I can take holidays and have sick days etc. We have been a good team. I think she appreciates the job, as it has provided a steady income for her and she is able to arrange the work around the school run etc.
As I am getting older, my business is declining, and with efficiencies that have been made, frankly there are not the hours that need doing anymore. With recent minimum wage increases I can no longer afford to keep her on the hours she is doing, but I don't want to lose her. A few months ago I suggested that she reduces her hours and get another part time job elsewhere. She says she does not want to as she would lose her tax credits. She has said that if I reduce her hours she will have to leave. Just discussing this has created friction between us.
I'm in a dilemma, I don't want to lose her, because then I would have to recruit and train a new person, but I can't afford to keep her on the hours she is being paid for. Suggestions anyone?