London, whose unemployment rate rose again last month, is losing another 40 jobs.

Lifetouch Canada, which specializes in student and family photographs, is closing its operation centre in London.

Affected are 20 full-time employees and 20 seasonal workers.

Calling it an economic decision, spokesperson Kelvin Miller, based in Minneapolis, said some employees would be out of work in March and the rest in June.

“It’s one of those regular business decisions that have to be made.”

But employees will have opportunities to apply to other Lifetouch locations across the country, he said. The company’s head office is in Winnipeg.

“We try to do everything we can to minimize the effect on employees,” Miller said. “We are posting other jobs available geographically and in Winnipeg.”

The London location is an operations centre.

“They are involved in helping territories to get what they need and have it on time.”

Miller said Lifetouch will still be providing photographs in all of the communities they currently serve.

“This doesn’t affect our ability to service all schools and others.”