James Shelley, an educated, sardonic, permanently unemployed "professional freelance layabout," has many battles with authority, the tax-man, his landlady, and his girlfriend Fran.
Shelley and his girlfriend Fran are looking for accomadation. After viewing unsuitable properties, they find a room at Mrs Hawkins' house.
Shelley isn't impressed when his local pub is destined for a kitsch makeover. He gets yet more grief at the Labour Exchange, who seem determined to put an end to his cushy lifestyle and endless payouts. Meanwhile, Fran has some news that may make him finally want to change his layabout ways.
Following a drunken evening stint as Nelson at the Victory pub, Shelley wakes up in the morning next to a strange woman. He has some serious explaining to do, not to mention waking up to the reality of finding some permanent gainful employment.
Shelley has finally completed his week doing a 'proper' job at an advertising agency, but is a bit shocked when he sees how much tax is deducted from his first pay packet. Could it be that proposing marriage to Fran will lessen his financial burdens and provide much-needed tax relief?
Visiting a health shop, Shelley is appalled at the high prices of some of the items. The moment he and Fran have long dreaded has arrived. Travelling by train, they arrive at the country home/farm of Gordon Smith, Fran's rich Dad.
Shelley is reunited with his oldest friend, Ned, whom he asks to be best man at his forthcoming wedding. Ned, unfortunately, is a 'Jack The Lad' type who loves to drink, smoke, and make love.
Shelley's attempts to prepare a dinner party meet with continual interruptions. A Jehovah's Witness is at the door and won't go away, plus the neighbour thinks Mrs H is on the game.
