When using my front wipers for any lenghth of time the rear wiper comes on. It stays on intermittent untill the car is left idle for a long lenghth of time. Anybody else had similar problem?

No. This sounds like you have a problem with the multi-switch in the base of the wiper stalk.

No. This sounds like you have a problem with the multi-switch in the base of the wiper stalk.

Does this happen after you have used the rear windscreen washer? The rear wiper motor washer pipe goes through the centre of the wiper motor and could be leaking causing an earth on the electrical connectors. Maybe worth checking condition of rear wiper motor connectors and signs of water before spending a fortune and time on the multi function switch.