The Office for National Statistics says some areas of the jobs market are weakening, as vacancies continue to fall.

The Bank last cut interest rates in December but upheaval in the Middle East has stalled any further reductions.

The firm’s outgoing boss Tim Cook did not say when prices will rise or which products will be affected.

The Transport Secretary had been aiming to reduce the backlog to seven weeks by this autumn.

The Federal Reserve held rates between 3.5% and 3.75% after Kevin Warsh’s first meeting in charge of the central bank.

They make much of the gear that goes into giant data centers. Demand for their products is shifting the balance of tech power.