(problem 2) after several months of a severe recession, some workers stop looking for jobs. this will the official unemployment rate.

After several months of a severe recession, some workers stop looking for jobs. This will increase the official unemployment rate.
When the unemployment arises from businesses losing profit it is called recession. Workers skills are need but there isn't a job available for them. This way there will be a bigger unemployment.

That is true , instead try to have a sit down talk with them