Yeah like I said, I wasn't really involved in the decision making here and was a bit surprised contractors were brought on as I didn't feel we were behind or anything. I'm inclined to agree with you that there is some hidden politics at play here that I am not witness to, e.g., to use their allocated budget that year or it might be slashed the next year.
> she does sound terrified. and the human part of me would absolutely struggle with this. but you are not responsible for her or her livelihood. you're responsible for you and yours (and the people around you depending on your position/role).
This is the part I'm struggling with. Her lack of performance doesn't impact me much for now (apart from when the good dev goes on holiday and I get pinged instead) so it feels like i'm needlessly risking someone's livelihood for little personal gain.