IT might have been a turbulent year for Swindon's job market, but there will be plenty on offer at the Evening Advertiser Jobs Fair.

The event is expected to attract more than 5,000 people to Swin-don's Hilton Hotel on Thursday.

And the demand for labour remains high despite the problems experienced by hi-tech industries in recent months.

Motorola, EMI, Lucent and Tyco are among the companies to shed jobs this year, and there is also pressure on Zurich Financial Services, which employs around 4,000 people in the town.

But such is the fluidity of the jobs market in Swindon that the unemployment figures remain low.

Many of those who have lost their jobs have found alternatives easily. Cellular Operations, for example, is taking on 70 people ready for the Christmas rush.

Other companies looking to recruit will be at the fair looking for fresh talent.

Representatives of the town's largest employers, jobs agencies and training specialists will be on hand to offer advice.

But the fair, which is sponsored by Gist, will be much more than a collection of display boards and publicity about vacancies.

There will also be seminars and workshops on writing job applications, putting together a CV and handling interviews.

For those who are past the stage of needing or wanting paid employment or have time to spare there will also be advice on how to become a volunteer.

Marks & Spencer will stage fashion shows where people will be able to see displays of clothes to impress at interviews, and have the chance of winning an outfit.

Many of the fair's exhibitors appreciate that countless workers now have to juggle a job with family commitments.

Nationwide and the Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust, which runs the town's hospital, will both talk about their commitment to arranging flexible hours, and the Job Centre will have information on the Government's New Deal for lone parents. It will also list local employment, training and childcare opportunities.

The fair's live exhibition itinerary will also include sessions by Out-source offering help for people who are already working in information technology and want to move onwards and upwards.

The fair will be opened at 10am by Swindon mayor Stan Pajak and closes at 8pm.

Admission is free and there is a free shuttle bus service to the event with pick-up points at the Job Centre, Swindon College, New College and the University of Bath in Swindon in Marlowe Avenue. There is limited parking at The Hilton.