Amsterdam – Several branches of the AH (Albert Heijn) To Go convenience stores were told not to employ staff of Moroccan origin, the AD reports Thursday.

AH To Go shops are small grocery stores located in train stations throughout the Netherlands.

The words 'No Moroccans' were written in bold letters on a work schedule, and then emailed to 31 AH To Go shops on June 4, the paper says.

A second email which included the text 'Urgent! No Moroccans!' was sent the same day to branch managers who questioned the policy.

An anonymous AH To Go employee told de Telegraaf that “there are already enough young Moroccans working here.”

“It could be threatening for customers,” he continued.

Albert Heijn headquarters said they do not tolerate ethnic discrimination, and are “shocked” by the development.

AH To Go stores are operated by Servex, a company affiliated with Dutch Railways (NS).

A spokesman for the NS apologised to 'everyone effected' and said measures are being taken within Servex. No information was given regarding consequences for the staff responsible for the emails.

The Dutch anti-discrimination bureau has requested an explanation from Albert Heijn, and said it is considering further action.

The bureau also raised concerns about employee age requirements in various AH To Go branches. For example, stores at the Alkmaar and Rotterdam Alexander train stations only want staff aged 16 and 17, and in Utrecht employees must be older than 19.

This too is against standard Albert Heijn policy, a company spokesman said.

Albert Heijn is part of Ahold, a major international supermarket operator based in Amsterdam.

Jennifer Evans / Expatica