After ten years of campaigning, lobbying, hoping and fearing, the future of IR35, the 'disguised employees tax' has been decided by the Coalition Government- it is here to stay.

Chancellor George Osborne was given three alternatives by the Office of Tax Simplification: to suspend it with a view to abolition; retain it with improved administration by HMRC; or to introduce business tests.

In yesterday's Budget he gave his decision: IR35 will remain on the Statute Books and HMRC will improve their administration with such things as a helpline and targetted compliance activities.

Despite an admitted lack of solid information about the impact of IR35, the Chancellor decided to retain it as 'abolition would put substantial revenue at risk'. Initial reactions from many freelancers was a resigned 'better the devil you know'.