After googling/researching what's involved in replacing the brake switch on my 09 XF, several mentions were made of the need to remove the steering column in order to change the switch.
Crazy but true, or not, as the case may be. For what it's worth, just slide the drivers seat back fully for better access. Remove the 3 black clips along the front edge of the liner that covers the pedals etc and pull it down to one side. Looking up along the "arm" on the brake pedal, you'll see the plunger on the switch, mounted in a bracket above the "arm".
Reach up and hold the switch body and turn it, anticlockwise I think, and it will release. It just sits into a sort of slot arrangement and turning it will release it. Unplug the small connector and hey presto you have the switch in your hand. These, genuine switche are available online for around 20 pounds/ euro. A much cheaper fix than a main dealer might charge, for what seems to be a common issue. A bad switch can be a cause for the gear selector refusing to rise on start up!
Just thought I'd share.

 

Thank you so much, went on youtube and saw a lot of video pointing to the removal of the steering column but was lucky enough to have seen your post.

Just want to say thank you and confirm your post is a valued help

David