Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon has ordered the government to deliberate businesses' calls for a six-month grace period for the introduction of a 52-hour workweek. 

The prime minister issued the order on Wednesday during a meeting of the government, presidential office and the ruling Democratic Party at the National Assembly. 

Lee said that he saw the need to examine the Korea Employers Federation's recent suggestion that the government give a six-month grace period before introducing the shortened workweek. 

The revised law requires companies with 300 or more employees to restrict maximum weekly working hours to 52, down from the current 68, starting July first, a measure intended to spur hiring and job sharing. 

The prime minister also stressed the need to enhance support for low-income households, elderly people and small businesses, vowing active support through close cooperation with the ruling party and the top office. 

He also pledged to push for inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation in a speedy manner, calling for the parliament's active support.