Global Solution Services (GSS)

The Rise of the 50+ Workforce: Trends and Opportunities

The Rise of the 50+ Workforce: Trends and Opportunities - Global Solution ServicesThe Rise of the 50+ Workforce: Trends and Opportunities - Global Solution Services

As the UK faces an ageing population, the employment landscape is transforming. Far from being sidelined, professionals aged 50+ are reshaping the job market, bringing experience and stability while unlocking significant economic value. Let’s explore the research, challenges and real-world opportunities shaping this demographic’s new role in the workplace.

1. A Growing Force in Today’s Workforce

The past three decades have seen a remarkable surge in employment among older professionals. Employment rates for UK workers aged 50–64 jumped from 56% to 72% between 1990 and 2020, according to Rest Less, a national careers platform app for those over 50. Today, approximately 10.9 million individuals aged 50+ are employed—accounting for a third of the entire workforce. This trend isn’t uniform across regions: while approximately 68% of 55–64-year-olds are working in the South East, the figure is closer to 61% in Scotland, as reported by PwC’s Golden Age Index. This indicates both an ageing workforce and evolving regional employment dynamics.

2. Why Businesses Should Embrace the 50+ Talent Pool

Age-diverse hiring isn’t just ethical it’s good business. With many roles requiring new skills by 2030, the experience and soft skills older workers bring are invaluable. A report from Ageing Better highlights that enhanced older-worker participation could deliver £3 billion in tax revenue and contribute up to £18 billion to GDP annually. Moreover, Financial Times findings show that sectors like hospitality saw a 10% rise in hiring those over 50, attributing it to their reliability, institutional knowledge and mentorship ability.

3. Breaking Down The Barriers They Face

Despite their advantages, mature workers often encounter ageism, inflexible roles and health constraints. Nearly 27% of jobseekers aged 55–64 face prolonged unemployment, higher than younger cohorts, according to Axios. Additionally, CIPD research indicates that 62% of individuals over 55 report being overlooked for training or promotion. Older workers also more frequently carry caring duties or encounter health challenges. Employers who fail to offer flexible work options risk losing seasoned, capable talent.

4. Opportunities and New Work Models

For many mature professionals, full-time roles no longer hold as much appeal. Instead, ‘portfolio careers’ part-time work, consulting or entrepreneurial pursuits are gaining traction. The Guardian notes a record number of over‑50s entering part-time roles, reflecting both choice and necessity. Some, like a couple in their 50s who transformed redundancy into a six-figure franchise operation, demonstrate a powerful drive to reinvent in later life. Additionally, over 620,000 UK company directors are aged 66 and above highlighting that leadership is not bound by age.

5. Building Age-Positive Workplace Cultures

Employers who embrace the value of mature workers gain a competitive edge. A few strategic steps can make a huge difference:

  • Inclusive hiring: Remove age preferences from job ads, use diverse imagery and focus competency-based interviewing.

  • Flexible work: Transitioning roles, phased retirement schemes and health-driven accommodations retain valuable employees.

  • Lifelong learning: Surprisingly, only 18% of UK employers proactively upskill older staff. Shifting this approach builds long-term loyalty and productivity, as per CIPD research.

6. Public Programmes Supporting the 50+ Cohort

The UK government’s ‘50 plus: choices’ initiative run via Jobcentre Plus offers older workers tailored employment support. Ongoing expansion of skills bootcamps and funding underlines a policy framework committed to lifelong learning and work continuity.

7. What Does This Mean for You?

For Mature Workers:

Start by embracing flexible career pathways consulting, part-time or entrepreneurial initiatives can align better with life stage and priorities. Upskill through online courses or sector-specific qualifications to stay relevant. Seize leadership and mentoring opportunities to amplify your contribution.

For Employers:

Recruit without age bias; focus on competence and fit. Support flexible working and continuing education for all staff. Recognise the unique value that experienced professionals bring in knowledge-sharing and organisational continuity.

Final Thoughts

The age of modern working isn’t defined by age it’s defined by adaptability, willingness to learn and a commitment to value. The rising employment rates among the 50+ population underline their powerful presence in the labour market. Businesses that foster an age-inclusive culture will tap into unmatched stability, insight and impact.

At Global Solution Services, we champion tailored support for mature workers: from career coaching and training through to mentorship and flexible job design. Let’s empower future-ready career journeys whether stepping forward at 25 or refocusing at 55.

Statement from GSS Directors on Covid-19

Statement from GSS Directors – Centre closures from 30th March 2020

Following the recent announcements made by UK Government, we would like to keep you updated on the changes GSS has made and the measures we have put in place to protect the well-being and safety of all our learners, customers and staff.

As of 30th March 2020 all GSS delivery sites will be closed. However, we are still fully operational and will be running Careers Advice and Guidance alongside Training via skype calls, video conferencing and on-line services to ensure all our customers, learners and trainees can still access our service.

These are indeed exceptional circumstances and we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to respond to the latest policy changes in some of our working procedures, and continue to prepare online material and resources to ensure minimum disruption to our service

We will continue to deliver Online Training and support going forward.

For further support please contact us on: 0844 745 2001 or 0208 665 4296

We are here to support you

We understand these are very difficult and anxious times for everyone, and urge you to stay home and keep safe, and to relieve the burden on the emergency services.

We will support as much as we can – if you have any concerns please email us on info@globalsolutionservices.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming you all back to face to face meetings and training as soon as we can. In the meantime, stay home, stay safe and we will see you through our on-line channels.

For further advice and guidance on Covid-19 visit:

 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public

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