Two weeks ago, I shifted to a new role/department at our workplace & I'm reporting to a new boss. So far there has not been much work for me as I am attending some trainings and started working on some non-critical and less intense projects. As a result, I have been getting quite some free time at work.
Now, since a few days back, my ex-boss has been approaching me and asking me directly about which tasks I am doing these days, and how many hours I am spending on each task. He wants me to take up some of his projects since he feels that I have lot of free time now in my new role.
I got a bit shocked with him asking me so, but at the same time I did not want to flat out refuse his tasks. If he wanted to give some work to me, then shouldn't he approach my new boss and seek his permission to give me work? Isn't this direct approach actually unethical?
Please advise me on how to deal with this situation. Also, there is a chance that after a year or two, I may be switched back to his team and will have to face him.