WASHINGTON (Reuters] – Small business confidence rose slightly in the U.S. during December amid rising concerns over inflation and worker shortages. This was according to a Tuesday survey.

According to the National Federation of Independent Business, its Small Business Optimism Index increased 0.5 points to 98.9 in November. From 18% in November’s survey, twenty-two percent said that inflation is the most pressing problem they face.

As the COVID-19 pandemic causes supply chain disruptions, high levels of inflation are affecting the economy.

However, there is some evidence that supply problems are beginning to improve. An Institute for Supply Management survey showed last week that suppliers reported better supplier deliveries. Federal Reserve officials as well economists predict that inflation will slow down this year.

Despite inflation worries mounting last month, NFIB’s survey revealed that 57% of the owners raised average selling prices. The most common price increases were in the wholesale, construction, and retail sectors.

At 49%, the percentage of companies planning to raise their prices has fallen five points.

NFIB surveys revealed that 49% of respondents reported having job openings they couldn’t fill. This is an increase of one percentage point over November. According to the survey, 49% reported that they had raised their compensation. It was also the most recent in 48-years, and an increase of four points over November. Around a third plan to raise their compensation within the next three month.

Last month, the government stated that 10.6 million jobs were available at the end November.