I personally know of a dozen people that are highly qualified for pretty much any position that have been looking for work for over a year.  The vast majority of unemployed are not being counted, off book.  I placed an ad for a mid-level management position (1) for my company and received over 500 applications within 1 day.  I choose one of my acquaintances I knew needed work.  
I haven't a clue where these 2% numbers are coming from, the amount of applications tells otherwise.