Debenhams has refused to guarantee more than 1,600 Irish jobs, including 150 in Waterford, are safe amid reports that up to 90 stores face the axe.

The Irish Independent reports that a spokesperson would not comment if any Irish stores will be closed following claims it may double the outlets it shuts in the next three to five years.

Mandate, Assistant general secretary Gerry Light said he had been unable to clarify the chain’s plans for Ireland since it announced 50 stores would close late last year.

He is seeking an urgent meeting with management in the coming days to discuss its plans.

Debenhams has 11 stores in the Republic, including one in City Square in Waterford City which employs around 150 people.

Debenhams went into examinership two years ago, blaming high rents.

Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley owns almost 30 percent of the company and ousted the chairman and forced the chief executive to leave the board at last week’s AGM.