Becca Gibbs had to leave the job she loves because of a complaint about her disability.

An Auckland woman was forced out of the op shop where she volunteered after a complaint about her intellectual disability.

Until last week, Becca Gibbs "loved" volunteering at Hibiscus Coast Community House shop. It was her "happy activity", her mum Bridgit Gibbs said.

But the situation soured when a complaint was made about the 26-year-old. Bridgit said another volunteer told the manager she "couldn't cope with this person and her disability" and said "she shouldn't even be working here".

It left her "disappointed, furious, disgusted and shocked", she said – not only at the initial comments, but at the management's handling of the situation.

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The only solution offered was for Becca to work on a different day, Bridgit said, which she couldn't do because of other activities.

David White/Stuff Bridgit Gibbs said she was disgusted at the way the store's management treated her daughter, Becca.

Bridgit asked if the complainant could switch her shifts instead and suggested the manager take the opportunity to educate staff about disability, but said neither idea was taken on board.

"There was absolutely nothing [the manager] was going to do," she said, so she couldn't see any way for Becca to stay.

It was particularly disappointing because it was a community op shop, she said.

"The people who tend to go there are those that are in need, and here's someone in need working there and getting booted out."

The shop's manager said they would make "absolutely no comment".

"As far as we're concerned it's a confidential staff agreement and we're not going to discuss it."

IHC director of advocacy Trish Grant called the comments "outdated and unacceptable" and said the incident "violated [Becca's] rights to be included in her own community".

It was also a missed opportunity for the shop's management to learn and develop more inclusive attitudes and behaviours, she said.

People with intellectual disabilities could turn out to be "fantastic employees" with the right support, she said: loyal and hard-working, with excellent time-keeping skills.

The Gibbs agreed. Becca was "very good" with repetitive tasks, her father Derek said, but couldn't be sent off to work independently.

The family was keen to find places where she could give back to the community, and in the past she's worked at a cafe, helped with school catering, and volunteered with primary school children.

DAVID WHITE/STUFF The Hibiscus Coast Community House shop where Becca Gibbs used to volunteer.

"That's the bit that hurts you the most, there's not much they can do for the community, and when they do give they end up getting treated like this," he said.

"The bigger picture is that all these adults need something in society. There's a lot of support up through the schooling system … after that there's very little for them to be involved with."

Becca was just as keen to work, Bridgit said.

"She's been saying 'Where's my new work? I want to go to my new work'."

So far, Bridgit hasn't had an answer for her daughter.

It was difficult to find something close to their Orewa home, and getting taxis further afield could quickly become prohibitively expensive.

Still, they remained positive, and said they had been "completely overwhelmed" by support and advice after sharing their story on Facebook.

"It has been really very, very special."﻿