Mandate, the retail workers' union, is to meet with management from Roches Stores tomorrow to discuss the impact the sale of the group to Debenhams will have on its 2,000 staff.

The union is seeking a continuation of the current terms and conditions held by Roches' employees, including the right of some staff to take overtime as lieu days and the provision of a staff canteen. Linda Tanham, Mandate's official union spokeswoman, said there are concerns that the working conditions in Debenhams may vary from those in Roches, in particular the fact that Debenhams only provides a vending machine rather than a staff canteen.

Ms Tanham said it's difficult to outline exactly what conditions the union is seeking because this varies depending on the length of time the employee has been with the company. "What is important to us is that the current terms and conditions that people are on are continued," she said, adding that while the union had already held discussions with the company it had been impossible to reach a final agreement until the takeover had been finalised.

The union is also seeking goodwill payments to staff in recognition of their contributions to the success of Roches Stores as well as assurances that any shortfall in the group's pension scheme, which is believed to be considerable, be replenished.

The majority of the 2,000 staff are expected to be taken on by Debenhams, with a small number - most likely the buyers and other members of the 90-strong staff at Roches' Sandyford, Co Dublin office - choosing to leave. For these employees Mandate is seeking confirmation that they will receive a previously agreed redundancy package, which includes six weeks pay per year of service for the first eight years of service and five weeks pay per year thereafter.