DEVOLVED nations should be able to launch their own furlough schemes if required, researchers argued today.

The recommendation came in a report written by experts from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the Fraser of Allander Institute at Strathclyde University, and the University of Stirling Management School, as they called for broader reform of funding arrangements for devolved governments.

Their report argues that Scotland and Wales should either be given minimum funding guarantees by Westminster or enhanced borrowing powers if stringent health measures and additional economic support are needed.