After a long period of inactivity, Shelley is psyching himself up for signing off at long last at the job centre with his new job at the foreign office waiting. But, with government cutbacks announced, what could possibly go wrong?

Baby Emma won't stop crying, and Shelley and Fran are at their wits' ends. Mrs H soon comes calling, and suggests they seek medical help. But, at this time of night, it may not be quite the professional help they'd hoped for!

Mrs H comes over to babysit Emma, allowing Shelley and Fran a rare night out together at the cinema. The film doesn't quite live up to their expectations, so they retire to the pub. The only problem is, their funds are in short supply, and the topic of conversation soon turns to armageddon!

The utility billls are piling up in the Shelley household but, with his ongoing unemployed status still unresolved, the money isn't actually there to pay them. Desperate measures are called for, Shelley gets himself down to the DHSS office to see if they can bail him out.

Shelley has a bit of a rude awakening in the morning - he's somehow pulled his back during the night. After a visit to the library, and finally the doctor, he's still none the wiser as to the cause of his ailment.

Shelley & Fran are still struggling to pay the bills and their misery is compounded further when Shelley's former Uni friend Den comes to visit. Not only does Den have a good job and a flash car, but rather expensive culinary tastes.