Over 150 employees from the Sitel Call Center in Sanford, just outside of Andalusia will be losing their jobs as of December 1st.

Employees found out Tuesday with a letter saying that nearly a third of the work force would be looking for jobs this holiday season.

Sitel is terminating 150 customer service representatives, six coaches and two learning specialists.

The company blames the loss of a significant client and reduced call volume from T-Mobile.

"This has happened in the past. The company lost a contract but they always got the contract back or other contracts that would be as large as or larger than the one they lost," says Sanford Mayor John Thomason.

Sitel told employees to consider the reduction in force permanent, but local leaders are hoping for the best.

"Hopefully the economy is bottoming out and maybe we've seen the worst as a whole. That's little comfort for someone who's losing their job," says Andalusia City Clerk John Thompson.

Until then the City of Andalusia is working with state and local organizations to provide some relief for these families.

"The mayor has been in touch with the Covington County Economic Development Committee and asked them to assist us. They've been in touch is ADECA. ADECA is sending their rapid response team down and help with retraining with other employment opportunities that may be available for those that are affected," says Thompson.

Their biggest concerns are for those who have lost their jobs.

"Of course our sympathy goes out to all the families there. With the shape this economy is in, it makes it even worse. Anything a small town like this could do to help or get more employers in this town of course we'll do," says Thomason.

"Our first and foremost concern is to these employees and their families. Layoffs are terrible anytime but especially as the holidays approach. I think we're all very sensitive to the fact that these layoffs are occurring around the holidays, so that's bad news," says Thompson.

In the letter sent to employees, Sitel said they will continue to pursue new business and if it picks up, the associates affected will be eligible for rehire.

Sitel is no stranger to a varying call volume.

They just hired 200 people this past January.