Golf MkIV - wipers reluctant to start?

[AdrianR]

Two wiper issues actually:

1) I've noticed that the front wipers on my MkIV Golf sometimes don't start first thing in the morning. Switch them off for a minute and back on again and they will start and work fine for the rest of the day. Any clues welcome, as it will be really annoying if they suddenly pack up completely.

2) The rear wiper judders across the glass. Tried new (Bosch) blade but just the same - how do I make it wipe cleanly?

Thanks,
AdrianR