[quuquuquu]

Are you very very profitable? Does everyone really like him?

This situation is compounded by the fact that you are a small group and there's nothing gravely wrong with him.

I know most people feel differently but the only way I'm keeping such an employee is if the money is dripping from the ceiling and everyone loves having him around.

Otherwise I'm sorry msn, it's nothing personal, but times are tough and we have to downsize now.

[throwaway753647]

We are comfortably profitable, but I wouldn't say "very very". That's part of what makes this tricky. If I did let him go, I would want to hire someone else in his place, and would probably end up paying them somewhat more too. So I can't really frame it like we have no choice. (Could lie of course, but I don't want to do that, especially since he'll likely notice when we hire someone new.)

[quuquuquu]

Hmm interesting, yeah I guess life isn't usually very clear cut!

I've been fired before by asshole bosses who pushed me to work extremely hard, deliver excellent results (which I did), and then fired me anyway, you know?

Someone's feelings will have to get hurt- his, or your wallet's.

If nobody will miss him, I would just say to him that there's a lot of change and replanning happening at the business and you need to free up resources for other more crucial positions. Absolutely nothing personal.