You used the word evict. Are you sure they would fight a regular notice? If I thought I had tenants who would force an eviction I would plan their exit under the circumstances you are describing. If you mean ask them to leave and believe the would be decent about it then maybe they are the kind of people to work with.
I would ask him if he isn’t or can’t be getting side jobs in construction.Maybe he is just using the unemployment as an excuse. Maybe you have something for him to do to make up the additional rent? Maybe someone you know does. Geting him out working might lead to something else. Don’t be a pushover even if you actually don’t find a way to get the rest out of him. At least show you mean to try to get what is deserved.
Edit:
If the person seems prone to resentment and such, do not let him work on the property that he lives in in exchange for rent. The entitlement and anger if you are eventually forced to ask him to leave won’t be good. Just saying, you really have to think this one out.
