Older members of the workforce have in the past found themselves edged out of the workplace by younger workers or struggled to find a new career pathway in later life. But now, in an inspired initiative in the Lake District, mature workers are being head-hunted by companies in the tourism and hospitality sector.
The Lake District Hotels Association is actively looking for staff over 50 to work in a wide range of careers, full and part time across the associations members who represents some of the finest and largest independent and branded hospitality properties in Cumbria.
From the North Lakes to South Lakes it’s members run some of the biggest hospitality businesses in the Lakes and have a direct and indirect economic impact of £459 million that helps to support and sustain 8,500 jobs across Cumbria.
Collectively the Association's hotels offer 2,183 bedrooms a night (thats nearly 800,000 a year), employ 2,038 people and spend £40 million a year on local goods and services.
Like many employers, the associations members are recognising that hiring older workers makes good business sense, as they can offer a host of benefits.
The situation is particularly acute in the Lakes where the tourist season now extends across most of the year, but the traditional recruitment field of students is restricted to the summer vacation.
Tracey Cragg, Recruitment and Membership Co-ordinator at the LDHA said: “There’s anarray of opportunities the industry has, suited to the 50+ age group. They might be looking for a new post, or they might be early retirees who may be looking to top up their income, keep socially active but only work limited hours a week.”
A more diverse workforce has benefits for businesses, including better problem-solving, increased productivity, and smart decision making. It’s acknowledged that older workers may pick up skills from younger employees while, in return, younger ones can benefit from the experience of older colleagues.
Around Penrith the association members include North Lakes Hotel, Rheged and Another Place who will be hosting the informal meeting to find out about opportunities on March 5th.
Anyone interested is invited to attend the informal meeting at Another Place at Watermillock on Weds March 5th full Details and (free) booking can be made via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/discover-new-opportunities-at-any-age-tickets-1210017046559
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