Companies in the tourism and hospitality sector are actively seeking mature workers.

The Lake District Hotels Association (LDHA) is actively searching for staff aged over 50 to fill a range of full and part-time roles.

The hospitality and tourism sector is doing this as mature workers are becoming increasingly valued for the benefits they bring to the workplace.

Whilst the tourist season now stretches almost year-round in the Lakes, the traditional recruitment pool of students is only available during the summer holidays.

Tracey Cragg, recruitment and membership coordinator at the LDHA, said: "There’s an array 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."

The UK’s ageing population is seen as a largely untapped talent pool.

According to research by the British Business Bank in 2020, the employment rate for the 50-64 age group has increased from 55.8 per cent in 1984 to 72 per cent in 2020.

Amber Burnip, a senior recruitment consultant, said: "Employers value the work experience that an older generation can bring to their workforce, along with exposure of working in changing and challenging markets, and dynamic cultures, as well as the maturity of life experience and people management."

Several over-50s have already found success in the hospitality industry.

Stuart Isaac, a retired businessman, found that full-time retirement wasn't for him.

He now works Fridays and Saturdays for Windermere Lake Cruises, based at Waterhead near Ambleside.

Stuart Isaac works part-time for Windermere Lake Cruises (Image: Supplied) He said: "There’s never a dull moment.

"I love chatting with the tourists on board, I’m able to answer questions that they have, it’s a really enjoyable job."

Dorothy Chittenden, 68, is a duty manager at the Burn How Garden House Hotel in Bowness.

Dorothy Chittenden is duty manager at the Burn How Garden House Hotel in Bownes  (Image: Supplied) She said: "I love working and it definitely keeps the brain active as well as the body."

Mark O'Toole, 61, from Barrow, is a staff minibus driver for the Lakeside Hotel at Newby Bridge.

He said: "It’s the social aspect.

"I wouldn’t want to become isolated."

According to the LDHA, a more diverse workforce has benefits for businesses, including better problem-solving, increased productivity, and smart decision-making.

They believe that older workers can learn skills from younger employees, while the younger ones can benefit from the experience of their older colleagues.

Paul Cookson, general manager at Ambleside’s Salutation Hotel, said: "Around 25 per cent of our staff are over 50.

"We definitely take on older workers."

Joe Cobb, group operations manager for Lake District Country Hotels, said: "We have some cracking over-50s in our team."

Research conducted in the USA found that older adults who work part-time after retirement experience lower rates of serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, mental health issues, and certain cancers.

Researchers at WebMD suggested that upon retirement, individuals should consider taking up a part-time job in a field different from their previous full-time career.

They claim that staying engaged in activities that keep you occupied without adding stress is beneficial.

Furthermore, working a part-time job after retirement is thought to provide opportunities to meet new people and build new friendships.

The LDHA is organising an informal drop-in session at the Low Wood Hotel on December 5.

Anyone interested in joining the hospitality industry is invited to come along and chat with local businesses.

For more information and to book a ticket, visit Eventbrite.