At 41, Taylor is the most senior accounting clerk in his department, making roughly $40,000 per year in a firm of about 200 employees. It has been a lean year for his firm. Product orders from customers has slowed down and commodity prices for the firm's materials are up. Alexis, the human resources director, is considering laying off Taylor. Because Taylor is the senior accounting clerk, he makes about $5000 more than the next-highest paid clerk. Alexis knows that laying off Taylor instead of one of the other clerks will save the company money.
However, Taylor is the parent of three children. His spouse does freelance work from home, but business has been way down this years and the loss of income has put a severe strain on the family finances. If Taylor loses his job, he will probably lose his home. In addition his youngest daughter has cerebral palsy and his family depend on his job for health insurance benefits. Alexis knows of Taylor's situation but also that Taylor's circumstances are sending the company's health insurance premiums through the roof. Alexis is trying to be careful not to let that affect the decision. What decision should he make? Defend your answer.