Ford Ka 1998 - Gears, stalling when braking & braking stability?

3 problems with this one... a 1998 Ford Ka (most basic of basic models!).

(1) Generally happens in slow moving traffic or coming to a junction in low speed, when I press the clutch pedal, the engine has a tendency to stall. Really frustrating, especially in traffic jams. No relation to how long I've been driving - happens at the start, middle and end of journeys. The engine revs seem to pulse slightly when idling - no idea if this is connected or not.

(2) The car doesn't like reverse gear - had the problem, got the clutch replaced, but still present. When trying to put the car in reverse, it doesn't always stick, it likes to either pop out of gear very quickly or not get into gear in the first place. I've found that revving the engine & trying again works, but again its annoying.

(3) The car likes to veer to the left when braking. Most noticable travelling at speed, when it feels really dangerous. Conversely, the car veers to the right when accelerating. Is this a brake pad that's more tight on one side?

Had it in for service to try & fix these but had no luck changing it - wondering whether the garage is being useless/not doing all they should be doing to sort it, or whether its a really, really fundamental problem with the car...

Thanks in advance for any help!