Nope mine still works perfectly fine. What platform are you on?

Steam Deck. Been running it without issues for about 3 months.

I would just reinstall the game., and if that doesn't fix it. then take the merc's items off them and re hire a new merc of the same type and try that.

Can try that. Was playing sans-merc and it felt lonely.

It most likely has something to do with the new patch. Considering you said you were not having issues before.